Rob Smith threatens an AFC Telford clearout
Boss Rob Smith is determined to make it through the tough times at AFC Telford – and has hinted at a summer clearout.
The Bucks have conceded nine goals in their last two games at the New Bucks Head and are 17th in the National League North table – four points above the drop zone.
After just escaping relegation last term, it was hoped the Bucks could push for the top half. But – as well as off-field uncertainty – performances, in the main, have not been good enough.
“I don’t want to be at this end of the table, I want to be at the other end of the table,” said Smith, who along with assistant boss Larry Chambers won promotion from the Northern Premier League and the Setanta Shield in their first spell at the club. “The club is not in the best position it’s ever been in, but it’s still a fantastic club to be at.
“I still get a buzz coming here – you are lucky, blessed to be playing at a place like this.
“I’ve seen when this place has been buzzing and I want to get back those days.”
Following on from the 3-1 loss to Bradford Park Avenue on Saturday, Smith said the players ‘don’t do what they are told to do’ and also said they are ‘mentally weak’.
He hinted at a raft of changes over the summer, saying: “The players have got to look at themselves.
“I am the one who gets the stick, and rightfully so, but the supporters must think I say ‘come on lads, lets go out there and not bother doing things structurally.’
“You wouldn’t believe how much detail we go into. If people keep doing what they want to do, there’s not a lot I can do apart from hobble on until the end of the season and then make some harsh decisions.
“Players looking for a deal next season, they’re not going about it the right way.
“If the players don’t want it badly enough, they can go and play somewhere else.”
Next up is a trip to Brackley Town on Saturday, and Smith added: “We have got injuries, Dave Hibbert looks injured, Jack Rea is injured and we’ll have to change it around on Saturday.
“We are going to Brackley – we need two more wins. We’ll get them, somehow.
“We’ll get the wins and we’ll stay up, and then I’ve got a big job to do in the summer.”
