News

The disappointment of that game is still entrenched deep inside me and I would hope that it is the same for the lads too. The fact is that we didn’t perform on the night in all departments and let ourselves down badly in our biggest game of the season so far. When we have played well, I have always been the 1st to say well done to the lads, however, if they expect praise when they play well then they must be big enough to accept criticism when we don’t (myself included).

Without doubt this was our poorest performance of the season. There were many difficult things for me to accept on the night, not least the seeming lack of passion for the game, which was extremely out of character for us based on the season to date. Ashbourne are a very useful side but that said, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that if we had performed to our capabilities on the night that we would have won the game. My apologies go to the many supporters and directors who travelled to see us play and even though we failed on the night, your support was more than appreciated. The job is now to pick the players up and learn from the experience and try to go some way to putting things right, starting this afternoon.

We turn our attention to league matters and we must make sure we take points from our games in hand on those team above us. Only if we do this will be in a realistic position to challenge for the title so we can’t afford many slip ups.

Off the pitch, we have received a boost with some further sponsorship to the club via a link with one of our current Reserve team sponsors. We have recently secured a joint 4 figure deal with two Derby based suppliers of Bombardier Transportation. Leengate Welding Supplies and Welder Equipment Services (WES) have joined the growing band of Reserve team sponsors who have supported us this season.

Alan Curry from Leengate and Rob Stevens from WES are pictured with my Assistant Simon Van-de-Broucke and Myself. The club would like to thank both companies for their generous support.

One of our squad will be leaving us for pastures new during February. Midfielder Danny Tyres has decided to go out to Australia in the near future which will obviously mean his time with us will come to an end. Danny is a top lad and great to have around the dressing room. Personally, I’ve been expecting a little more from Danny on the pitch. Danny knows he hasn’t always produced his best form and because of that fact his opportunities in our midfield have been limited. However, with players like Earl Alexander, Carl Timms, Matt Moran and Carl Slater to contend with for a midfield place then no wonder his chances have been limited.

Danny is one of the jokers of the squad and recently arranged our Christmas night out which was an absolute scream. Dan will certainly be missed by us all in the Reserve Team Squad. I’m sure you will join me in wishing Danny all the best on his travels.

We are in Moat Ground action next week when we welcome Rushall Olympic here K.O 2-45. If you are not making the short trip to watch the 1st team against Atherstone then you would be most welcome.