Kenneth McDowall suffered a disastrous managerial debut as Sevco crashed 4-0 away to Hibs.
While Ally McCoist took a break from gardening leave to watch Glasgow Warriors his former clipboard commander had the task of managing the second highest paid squad in Scotland.
Assisted by Gordon Durie and Lee McCulloch and a squad determined to win the title for their absent manager the Ibrox side found themselves two goals down after 12 minutes.
The defeat leaves the League One champions 15 points, and 19 goals behind Hearts with Hibs just four points behind and looking like mounting a challenge for second place.
In his pre-match interviews McDowall seemed overwhelmed by the responsibility- four goals later he looked lost for words and answers.
“It was very disappointing to be two goals down after 12 minutes,” McDowall said of his managerial bow. “Our whole game plan went out the window after that. “At the moment I am just going to have to work with the squad that is there. I can’t just invent players.
“I don’t know if a lack of commitment is the word I would use. They just did not look organised at times. They were not where they should have been on the park. Commitment? You should ask them.
“Were the boys mentally tired? I couldn’t deny that was a part of it with the goings on and the situation but do I want to make that an excuse? No.
“They are professional people. I will accept the responsibility for the result. I set the team up and the boys will accept responsibility for the performances. It was not good enough.”
