Rob Smith: AFC Telford need character
Manager Rob Smith insists AFC Telford United need more strength and character if they are to escape their lowly position at the foot of the National League North.
The newly-appointed Bucks boss reiterated the need to add more quality to his ranks, after seeing his team slump back to the bottom of the table.
It came following Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Bradford Park Avenue. Asked what had been lacking from his team, Smith said: "Strength.
"In the first half every single 50-50, they were winning. We need some competitiveness in there, some characters that are willing to get hurt for the cause and I don't think we have got that, at the moment.
"We have got Harrogate this weekend which is as tough as they come. They are a very competitive, physically strong team so we are going to have to do something about that."
Smith was surprised by his team's dismal display on Saturday which came just five days after they had claimed their first win of the season at home to Brackley.
Smith said: "I wasn't stupid enough to think that we had turned the corner with one performance.
"We are where we are and as I said before the game, changes are going to have to be made because we are not good enough and I think we have proved it.
"But I was disappointed because I thought we could have got something against Bradford. But we didn't really put up much of a fight.
"We are back to the bottom of the table and I hope that gives everyone a wake up call.
"We are there for a reason and Saturday proved that. Against a team that hadn't won a game yet, we were not good enough."
The need for new recruits was increased by an injury to midfielder Jack Rea, who broke three bones in his hand during the game.
Defender Darren Campion also suffered a dislodged shoulder. It had initially been feared he had fractured it but he should now be fit for Saturday.
Winger Izak Reid, who was unable to play on Saturday after nearly severing his finger in an accident at work, should return against Harrogate.
