Tommy Wright insists Kilmarnock are in a “really strong” position going into their pressure play-off against Dundee as they look to save their Premiership skins.
But the Rugby Park gaffer was tight-lipped on the reason the club finds itself in such a precarious position despite admitting he knows the reasons.
Wright watched his side beat bottom dogs Hamilton Accies 2-0 thanks to a Mitch Pinnock double with the Englishman missing his chance of a hat-trick after his penalty was saved.
But it didn’t matter in the end as Ross County 2-1 against Motherwell at Fir Park to ensure the Staggies will be in the Premiership next season.
Wright was hired in February as Alex Dyer’s replacement to help extend the Ayrshire side’s 28-year stay in the top flight but now needs to do it through nerve-shredding play-off.
It's been a fall from grace for Kilmarnock who finished third two years ago almost to the day under Steve Clarke before he left for the Scotland job.
Asked on BBC Sportsound after the game why the club finds itself in this position with quality players in the squad, the Northern Irishman said: “I know the reasons (why we’re in this position) but it’s not the time or place to go over it.
“I know the reasons and some will remain private forever. We’re in this position. I don’t think we’re in a bad position in terms of going into a play-off against Dundee. We’re in a really strong position.
“I said if Ross County got three wins on the bounce at this stage of the season then you have to hand it to them.”
Killie finished the campaign on 36 points and Wright admitted he thought that would have been enough when the former St Johnstone boss took over.
He said: “I can’t ask any more of my players. When we came in I thought around 36 points would have been enough but unfortunately it issn’t.
“They gave me everything - a comprehensive performance, 2-0 win which should have been more - and they take this performance and the performances in the last 10 games into the play-off.
“We were on control of the game and we have a good squad so we brought off Chris Burke just after the hour and it wasn’t a big risk.
“It was important we made changes with Thursday night now in mind. Dundee have had a good season and got into the play-off final which was their next target after automatic promotion.
“I’m pleased how we’re playing. We’re scoring goals, another two today and we could have had more. We’ll look to win both games.”
