Andy McCarthy admits the Peterhead players have suffered in the wake of the departure of long-serving manager Jim McInally.
Former Partick Thistle midfielder McCarthy cited McInally as one of the big reasons why he joined the Blue Toon and he committed for another season at the club this summer.
McInally departed a fortnight ago and assistant manager Davie Nicholls looks set to have been part of his last game with Peterhead, following the 3-0 defeat to Queen’s Park in the Scottish Cup.
“The players have been down because the gaffer was a big part of why they were here,” said McCarthy. “He was a big part of why I was here.
“He ran the club basically. I was absolutely gutted when he left as he was more than a manager to me. He was a friend.
“Davie stepped in when the club needed him and I’m not surprised because he’s a good guy. I don’t think Peterhead will be the same without the gaffer or Davie.”
It has been an uncertain period for the players as well, with them not knowing as and when a new manager would be brought into the club.
“It’s more the certainty of a new manager,” he said. “It’s better for the boys to solidify things and to know what’s ahead.
“I went through it with Thistle so I’m probably more used to it than some of the other boys. But obviously not since I’ve been here.
“It’s always topsy-turvy, you don’t know what’s coming. You’ve got to try keep everyone positive.
“I asked Rodger (Morrison, chairman) a couple of times about who was coming in, more out of curiosity than anything. But ultimately you just do your job on a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.”
