Andy Sinton wants AFC Telford expectations to be lowered

Boss Andy Sinton insists there needs to be a greater sense of "realism" at AFC?Telford United despite their survival heroics.

Some observers tipped the Bucks to be challenging for a promotion place this season, but Telford are one of only four Blue Square Bet Premier clubs still operating as a part-time club.

Sinton feels expectations have been too high in some quarters and he wants people to be more pragmatic about the club's chances.

He said: "This is the highest level Telford have ever played at. I know they used to be a Conference team but that was when it was a part-time league, with only two or three teams training every day.

"Now, we are talking about a full-time professional league and that did not used to be the case.

"Realisation has got to set in because I am sure certain people connected with the club expected us to be pushing for play-offs this year.

"In my mind, quietly, this year was all about staying up – and we did that with two games to spare."

Sinton feels the expectations on his players are too high given the long hours they work away from football. The boss has less time to work with the players, both as individuals and collectively, than full-time sides and he is looking for the critics to appreciate that fact.

"We never make any excuses when we lose, but the fact is we have less time working together than all but three of the other teams in this division," he added.

"Most teams in this league are out on the training ground working every day, and we haven't had that luxury."

See also:

• Tears flow as AFC Telford stay up

• Andy Sinton: It is best moment of my career

• AFC Telford 1 Tamworth 0 – Match analysis