Blog: Liam Watson's sacking start of change

Perhaps the writing was on the wall. Perhaps it was looking increasingly likely.

Perhaps he was looking down the barrel of the gun – but it still came as a bit of a surprise for it to happen after the performance we delivered.

One thing for sure is that the club appear to have learnt the lesson from the Andy Sinton saga, when we were in a similar position two seasons ago.

At that point, we were on a terrible run, but delayed and delayed the inevitable, meaning that the new manager(s) had virtually no time in the January transfer window to save our season.

This time, the new manager has a busy Christmas period to assess his and our options, before strengthening the side in the window, in the way he sees fit, with a sizable budget (Phenix and FA Cup run boosted).

But before I go on, to consider the 'new' and Saturday's performance – I want to place on record my thanks to Liam (Watson) and Dom (Morley).

They were able to come in with virtually nothing and build a side that took us to the title last season. Sometimes, in football, it doesn't quite happen for you.

And that's just what happened this season. Not every manager can create a title-winning side in six weeks, you pair did that and gained the ultimate prize in your first season. For that you should be remembered.

Now, the next is charged with maintaining the status and writing the next chapter in AFC Telford United history.

I think whoever comes in has the benefit of seeing the Bucks in the Vanarama Premier, where we want to be in the medium term.

If we can approach a young up and coming manager that plays an attractive, winning style – then he can learn all about the league we are looking to compete in.

We should we still end up going down, knows exactly what it is we need to do to become competitive. It's a long-term plan now. Not simply a 'save our season, or there's the door' approach.

The other aspect I would like to see us consider is the part time approach favoured by Chester and a couple of others.

Part time training that is done in the morning, but their approach of Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday morning to be considered.

Following the weekend game, players are in to report on a Monday for recovery-recuperation and general fitness work.

Tuesday may still be missing due to fixtures in the evening but, in weeks where there is no game, it's an extra day on the training ground.

Wednesday, like Monday, is the looking after of players following competitive games. As well as the extra fitness benefits, that can happen.

There is more time to develop that famous spirit and camaraderie but also ball work, tactics, tailoring sessions to opponents.

It's not going to be something that can happen over night. It might not suit some of our current players who have commitments away from the club, but it's surely something that can affect our fortunes.

It's working to good effect at our neighbours with the likes of Mahon, McConville, Hobson and James! Why can't it be the same with Deacey, Hancock, Cooke and Farrell?

That's the thing really. Liam has assembled a good core of talented youngsters. Just finding the system and the tactics to suit them hasn't quite been evident.

As has been the lack of the experienced professional so many of these youngsters crave. Tweaks to the system, the personnel and the future is not as doom and gloom as some might have you believe.

The next couple of weeks are going to be crucial in the direction we at AFC Telford United go.

Fortunately we have a week now for the players to regroup and show what they are all about before we welcome Eastleigh to the New Bucks Head on Saturday.

Players have that extra motivation to show that they deserve an opportunity for whoever the new gaffer is. The squad is down to it's bare bones.

It's not ideal for someone coming in without a fit centre-half in the club, but the players showed yesterday, they have enough about themselves to fight for their lives and fight for the club.

Taking Chester to a replay in the circumstances is tantamount to that. Speaking of which.

The performance levels of all involved on Saturday afternoon was excellent. Grogs (Mike Grogan) had a shaky opening, compounded by conceding the early penalty to put Chester in front.

But as it turned out, that early goal almost did us a favour as it removed any expectation.

We then battled back into the game brilliantly, looked a threat on the break, kept the ball well, created and found spaces.

The presence on the field of the experienced Andy Todd was crucial to the Bucks' performance.

Wherever he played, he was a calming influence, encouraging his team-mates to believe in their footballing ability, rather than launch everything long or towards the corners.

The players found feet, created space and asking more questions of the opposition than we had managed in two previous encounters. Maybe on the 23rd, it will be a case of fourth time lucky!?

Freddy Hall played the role of sweeper-keeper brilliantly, handling was sound throughout. He did superbly behind a makeshift back four.

A performance that will have filled him with confidence after a shaky couple of games in recent weeks – and the increased pressure of a resurgent Jonathan Hedge.

The two full-backs put in high octane performances, even though they were part of a flat back four. Their contribution defensively and offensively continues to catch the eye.

They're certainly both talents that we should look to be keeping at the club, both for now and as ones with a big future!

Poku, Barnett, Hancock and Deacey all looked comfortable on the ball – all having a significant impact on the game.

Something they were all able to do without the ball bypassing them. Deacey grabbing his first goal for the club, a confident finish under Worsnop, a deserved equaliser.

Hancock having the chance to win the game deep in injury time, only to see his header straight at Worsnop when well placed.

The age of many of the guys out there makes them prime for developing and growing. Let's hope the new manager can develop these talents and who knows where we and they, can go next?

I will leave now by saying, whatever does happen next. We need the backing of the people of Telford, Shropshire, maybe even the wider Midlands to make a fist of growing as a club.

What you can do for the club is vote with your feet, get yourselves through the gates and make it your mission to give the Bucks the best chance of survival and growth.

We're not AFC Telford UNITED for nothing. Now we need to prove it! See you on Saturday against Eastleigh! New Bucks Head at 3pm!