Note that this page is from our Gresley Rovers archive. It may not be related to the new Gresley Rovers (formerly Gresley FC until 2020).
Smiles at the Moat
Story courtesy of Andy Tilley - Burton Mail
Gresley Rovers boss John McGinlay has turned psychologist this week in an effort to lighten the mood of his beleaguered Moatmen.
Rovers began the week fifth from bottom of the Dr Martens Western Division after Saturday's 3-0 home defeat at the hands of Blakenall, a math in which McGinlay's men made more than a significant contribution to their own downfall.But a 1-1 draw with Redditch United went some way to lifting the gloom in South Derbyshire though McGinlay knows his side faces another stern test when they travel to take on high-riding Tiverton tomorrow.
However, the former Scottish international is determined to laugh in the face of adversity as well as offer much needed support to his players.
Rovers player manager, currently sidelined with the recurrence of a calf strain said:
"We're striving for consistency at the moment, we just can't seem to put three or four good performances together. But that's something I've heard plenty of other managers, even in the Premiership, saying this season and it's up to me to remain positive. I have to be positive for the sake of the players because if the manager starts to get down in the dumps, that's going to transmit to the players."
"We're going to Tiverton who are sixth and perhaps people would not expect us to get anything - that's up to them but we're very focused and upbeat. But I am genuinely optimistic and positive about the side because - and this is the really frustrating thing - I know we can play well."
"And I tell you this- someone, somewhere is going to take a real hiding from anytime soon because we are creating plenty of chances, it's just that they're not being converted. And that's had the affect of putting extra pressure on Simon Tucker. Because he's an honest lad and has not been finding the net regularly, he feels he should take all the blame and all the responsibility - but that's not right and I've had a few chats with him to explain it. When strikers are struggling it's up to others to chip in and midweek Mark Peters popped up to get a goal from midfield. That's what I want to see more of, everyone working for each other."