Raging Celtic legend stares down sack possibility amid 'nasty streak' quest as style of play worries addressed
The manager has faced increasing pressure in recent weeks but insists he's ready to face the fight.
A legendary former Celtic star is feeling the heat in his current managerial role - but has vowed to silence his critics by dragging his club out of a dramatic form slump.
Ex-Hoops captain Scott Brown has come under increasing pressure as Ayr United boss in recent weeks with Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at home to Greenock Morton their sixth loss at Somerset in all competitions this season.
The Honest Men have tumbled down the Scottish Championship table and have relinquished their grip on a play-off spot after a dismal run of just one win in 10 games, which has led to growing unrest among the club’s fanbase.
But Brown - who has been in the Ayr hotseat since January 2024 and missed out on promotion to the top-flight last season - has taken a positive outlook on his current plight and won’t give in without a fight.
Speaking to the Ayrshire Post, he said: “People are angry and don't want us at the club right now. But let me assure you, nobody is angrier than me at what's going on - I'm raging. But it's only making me work harder to turn this around. I know that we can.
“I've been at enough clubs and seen it with enough managers to know how two or three results can very quickly change the picture. We've been too soft and that needs to change. If it means being really nasty between now and the end of the season then so be it.
“The goal on Saturday typified it. We have three chances to get contact and prevent their goal right at the start of the game. It's far too slack.”
Scott Brown responds to criticism over change of playing style
With the pressure gauge cranked up a notch following last weekend’s disappointment, it leaves Ayr just two points above eighth place Morton. And Brown has also hit back against criticism of his playing style this term, which has changed significantly from last year's high pressing game.
“We want to play expansive football here,” Brown admitted ahead of Friday night's visit to Raith Rovers. “You saw that with the team we had on the park last season. Certain things have gone against us this year which have restricted how we've had to play. We just need to get through this spell and address that.
“In-house, we need to get this sorted and block out the noise from outside. Fans are entitled to say what they want but whether it's myself or the players - we need to focus on getting it right.
“The Board have been tremendous in their backing and are really supportive of the work we're doing. When we came here the club was sitting ninth and I think they see the progress that's been made. Obviously you hear the shouts coming but it's on us now to turn that.”