The boss gives an honest reflection on a tough start to life back in the Southern League Premier South.
"It’s fair to say it has been a very difficult and disappointing start to our season. Whilst we were fully aware the step up back into the Southern Premier League would be a challenge, we do feel we have under-performed as a group. I take full responsibility for that as I select the squad, pick the team, and the tactics. It has been far from my standards and expectations.
"On Saturday we played a team who were in the National league five years ago, whilst we were in step four, with unbelievable resources, full of ex pros and step one/two players, training pretty much full time, spending a full week preparing to play us, whilst we have a couple of hours. For those who were in attendance, I am sure you will agree (and I have heard and read similar feedback) we competed well for 45 minutes, had two shots blocked on the line, lost our skipper Jon Davies after 10 minutes and conceded the first whilst down to ten men, and a sucker punch right before half time. Yes we capitulated after conceding the third on the hour mark, and that is disappointing.
"In our opening fixtures we have played three of last season’s top five, and two sides relegated from the conference south. These are facts, however every game is tough in this league, and we still expect better performances levels and more points on the board. We must do better, and learn quickly.
"Our support so far this season has been excellent, and even after defeat the fans have stayed with the players, which has been great to see and hear. However, I was really disappointed to read and hear of some personal attacks aimed at individuals after last weekends game, these are from the minority to be clear. Some of these receiving the attacks are the same individuals that were being lifted on shoulders in front of 2000+ fans at Badgers Hill in May, in one of the greatest days in the clubs history. The same players who have delivered three top two finishes in Division one in the last few years whilst only losing five league games last season, and the same in two previous seasons with the same record. The same players who went well over 12 months without losing a single game in front of our fantastic home fans. Those same players who delivered record runs in the FA Trophy with two third round proper ties, and two third qualifying round FA Cup ties, including beating the likes of Step two Worthing and Oxford City, giving us amazing ties against the likes of Torquay and Bath City, some amazing times which will live with the players and supporters for years to come.
"Fans pay their good hard earned money, and have every right to be disappointed with our start to the season, but some of the comments (from a small minority), especially those aimed at individuals, are below the belt. Equally, I have seen some fantastic comments from many of our supporters who have watched the games and travelled long distances to supported the team away, who have also rightfully been critical, but also constructive and fair at the same time, which is all we ask for.
"After our start, people will understandably question me, which is fine, as I am responsible and will also question the squad. In my opinion the promotion winning group deserved the opportunity to play at this level. It’s true, some have struggled so far and confidence has deteriorated. We have lost some key players and have been unable to replace them, but, whilst it seems like excuses, it’s also a fact that our resources available are far inferior to the majority at this level, and generally a league table is usually shaped by the teams with the biggest resources at the top, and lowest at the bottom which is true from the Premiership through to Non-League. Whilst we wanted to give this group the opportunity, we were not completely naive and also spoke to a number of players in the summer to try and strengthen. Players with experience at this level, and above, and also some at step 4 who were ready to make the step up. The reality is we just could not compete financially with other clubs at step 3 and even some at step 4, and when I say that, I mean we couldn’t even get close. I spoke to a number of managers in the summer and the numbers at step 3 are astonishing.
"Our budget has stayed the same as last season, and even though as a manager I will always want more, I do support that decision, as the costs to compete at this league have gone up with the increased traveling, but the match day revenue will stay the same (or decrease) as attendances will inevitable drop with more defeats, and the commercial income will stay the same unless we can strengthen our internal commercial roles and not rely on the same small band of people and ask more of our existing excellent commercial partners. We are not going to cripple this club. Our aim is to stay up in this division, and try and build in a sustainable way.
"We will continue to look to add to the group where possible and where it makes financial sense, but we will also continue to work hard with the group of players we have today to build confidence, improve our performances and results. The players have proven we can compete, with the win at Gosport, and many encouraging 45 minute displays in many of our games so far. But we need to turn those into 90 minute performances, and cut out some of the consistent errors which are hurting us. Confidence is a massive thing, and with every defeat those performance levels have dropped, which is why it is important to stick together and help each other through this period.
"Nobody is going out there trying to play badly, trying to make a mistake, or trying to lose games. The players are hurting, the managements are hurting, as are you supporters. But, we need to appreciate where we are as a club, try and stick together, and pick up the required number of points to stay in this division. We will only do that if we are together and as one!"
With that being said, come and show your support for the players against Hungerford tonight and secure your tickets below!
Ticket Information
Adults: £14.00 in advance online
Seniors: £9.90 in advance online
Concessions: £9.90 in advance online
Students: £9.90 in advance online
11-17s: £5 in advance online
Listen to the latest episode of the Dodge The Question podcast!
Danny Greaves drops in to discuss his 250th appearance at the helm with Steve and Zeb and give an honest appraisal of the season so far. New recruit Ethan Vaughan talks about his move to Badgers Hill and ambitions for the season.
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It’s so good of Danny to put himself forward like this and explain things from his side of the fence. But really Danny, you don’t have to explain anything to us – we’ll still be here at the end of the season- looking forward to the following season.
Of course the fans are still with the team . There are many, many fans here who have been around for donkeys’ years and seen relegation and many, many ‘mundane’ seasons before, not to mention our wonderful volunteers. This is a supporters’ lot in a nutshell. Most supporters I speak to are thoroughly reasonable & knowledgeable people about all aspects of the game. Yes, we’re all experts, great coaches and know a…