Gavin Cowan: AFC Telford must get back to high standards
AFC Telford United chief Gavin Cowan has called for his players to get back to their usual high standards following an ‘unacceptable’ display.
The Bucks lost 2-0 at home to league leaders Bradford Park Avenue on Saturday.
Although they are sitting pretty in fifth in National League North, Cowan felt Telford let themselves down and wants a reaction at Altrincham this coming weekend.
“For the standards that we’ve set, I suppose the term is ‘unacceptable’,” said Cowan, after the first New Bucks Head defeat of the season.
“It was unacceptable from our perspective, but I take nothing away from Bradford.
“Teams are coming here with a different mindset. Bradford changed their game here. But from our perspective, we let ourselves down.
“I’ve asked if anyone is unsure on whether they believe in our footballing philosophy, and the answer was no.
“They just didn’t do it (on Saturday).”
They didn’t put that footballing philosophy into practice.”
The Bucks handed a debut to winger Brendon Daniels, as a substitute.
He arrived on a one-month loan from League Two outfit Port Vale last week, after shining for Harrogate Town, AFC Fylde and Alfreton Town outside of the top four divisions.
His Vale contract is up next month and gaffer Neil Aspin has said he must prove to be the ‘best player’ at Telford to have any chance of getting an extension.
Also in the squad was Yusifu Ceesay – another wideman who has joined on loan for a month.
He has come in from Blackpool, after impressing for Alvechurch in non-league. He had a stint with the Bucks’ league rivals Boston United earlier this campaign.
When asked if the arrival of the pair could see the preferred 3-5-2 system become more expansive over the next few weeks, Cowan said: “Evolution brings itself on really.
“I have a clear plan of where I want to go, but I also talk about versatility.
“Yusifu can play wide or through the middle. Brendon can play wide or as a No.10.
“There’s no thought process about changing the formation as such.
“They’re two players who provide quality in a number of positions.
“It gives us a bit of strength in depth and a bit of competition for places.”
He added: “Lads now will be slightly concerned as to whether they’ll be in the team (for Altrincham).
“Hopefully we’ll see the right reaction, which I’m sure we will because they’re a great bunch of characters.”
