ARTHURLIE interim manager Chris Mackie admitted he surprised himself by losing the plot with his misfiring Lie side at half-time against Kilbirnie Ladeside on Saturday, but his outburst prompted a second-half comeback.

The Barrhead side were fortunate to be 2-1 down at the break at Dunterlie Park, in the first competitive game since Mackie took over from Stevie Kerrigan.

Mackie shocked himself, and the players, as the red mist descended and he launched into a tirade in a bid to spark his squad into life.

The rant had the desired effect as Lie ran out 4-3 winners.

Mackie said: “The start of the game was a bit of a disaster. We were being outplayed in every department. We found ourselves 2-1 down at half-time and I read the riot act to them.

“I probably didn’t know I had that in me to be honest, I completely lost control, I was so angry. I think it took a few of them by surprise because I’ve been a teammate before. But it wasn’t for any other reason than I knew we were letting ourselves down.

“The players reacted properly and really upped their game in the second half. To get the late winner was great.”

Meanwhile Mackie revealed he was pleased to have resolved the future of striker Gary Smith. The popular front man was transfer listed last month only to be removed days later.

The manager said he had reservations about Smith’s attitude in the first training sessions under Mackie. But after Smith told of his desire to stay at the club and put in the required effort to win the new boss round, Mackie agreed to welcome him back into his plans.

He said: “I just looked at the player’s attitude over the last few months, then had a chat with him after our first couple of training sessions when I didn’t think Gary had quite been at it.

“You’re aware that when you take over from a manger who was very popular with the players that some of those guys might not be with you. I thought that might be the case with Gary.

“Gary wanted to stay but I thought the best thing was put him on the transfer list. A couple of clubs came in and he turned them down. He reiterated to me that he wanted to stay and put in the effort and desire which was exactly what I was looking for.”