Falkirk management & players hold ‘clear-the-air’ talks after Dundee United defeat as Paul Hartley seeks first win as boss against Morton

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FALKIRK are hoping a no-nonsense clear-the-air meeting will help inspire a first win for new boss Paul Hartley this weekend.

The struggling Bairns crashed to a worrying 3-0 defeat away to Dundee United on Sunday and last won in the league way back in September.

They host Morton on Saturday sitting second bottom of the table and knowing not even a win can lift them above Dumbarton four points above.

It is a far cry from the promotion pushes they have been used to in recent years and management and playing staff were frank in delivering their opinions at a get-together on Tuesday.

Assistant manager Jimmy Nicholl said: “Sunday was a real sore one, it wasn’t great. We know it should have been seven or eight, the goalkeeper, Robbie Thomson, stopped it from being a lot more.

“We had a good meeting. There were a few things the players weren’t happy about, and we’re big enough to take criticism.

“We’ll take the opinions of the players into account. There were four or five of them with opinions, and that’s great.

WORK HARD

“There were a couple of players arguing with each other on the pitch on Sunday. I don’t mind that, providing it’s for the right reasons and it’s constructive and helping to get the best out of each other.

“I like the meetings where you just clear the air and then get the ball out and work hard again.”

Meanwhile, Falkirk have sealed a month’s loan deal for 20-year-old Ross County defender Reghan Tumilty, who has made eight first-team appearances for the Staggies.

The Bairns have been hit with injuries to the likes of Tony Gallacher and Paul Watson and manager Paul Hartley was eager to strengthen his rearguard options.

He said: “Reghan came in and trained with the group and he is everything I expected – quick, strong and good on the ball.

“He is still of a young age, but already has the experience of playing Premiership football under his belt and I am sure he will prove to be a useful addition to the group over the next few weeks.”