Smith furious at lack of effort
AFC Telford United chief Rob Smith today issued a heartfelt apology to the fans after accusing his players of a lack of effort in their 0-0 draw with Ashton. AFC Telford United chief Rob Smith today issued a heartfelt apology to the fans after accusing his players of a lack of effort in their 0-0 draw with Ashton. Smith left his players to do the talking after the game - a result that saw their lead at the top of the UniBond League premier division cut to eight points. But he broke his public silence today to admit to a "lack of commitment" from his side in what was frustrating afternoon at the New Bucks Head. Read the full story in the Shropshire Star
AFC Telford United chief Rob Smith today issued a heartfelt apology to the fans after accusing his players of a lack of effort in their 0-0 draw with Ashton.Smith left his players to do the talking after the game - a result that saw their lead at the top of the UniBond League premier division cut to eight points.
AFC Telford United chief Rob Smith today issued a heartfelt apology to the fans after accusing his players of a lack of effort in their 0-0 draw with Ashton.Smith left his players to do the talking after the game - a result that saw their lead at the top of the UniBond League premier division cut to eight points.But he broke his public silence today to admit to a "lack of commitment" from his side in what was frustrating afternoon at the New Bucks Head.
"We prepared properly, but the effort was not there and that's not something I've seen before in my time at this club," he declared.
"The lads have been brilliant this year, and I said that to them, but it didn't happen on Saturday. I can handle drawing 0-0 at home, I can even handle losing, because you can't be brilliant every week.
"But what I can't handle is a lack of effort. The minimum I expect is commitment every week and I didn't think I got that on Saturday.
"I apologise to the fans for that and I can assure them they won't see that again this season."
Meanwhile, wing-back Dean Craven was back in the Telford fold today after a surprise outing for Kidderminster Harriers in their 1-0 win at Altrincham on Saturday.
Craven joined up with former Telford team-mate Neil Howarth, now the Harriers' assistant boss, to help cover an injury crisis. But Smith insisted he would be back with Telford at Matlock next weekend.
"There was nothing sinister in it," he said. "Richard Beale had an excellent game last week when Dean was out ill and was many people's man of the match so I felt he deserved another chance.
"I explained to Dean on Thursday that he wouldn't be starting and, with what we were looking to be going in with, he wouldn't be in the 14 either and he was fine with that.
"Kiddy phoned and asked if they could use him because they were short and knew he wasn't involved with us.
"We thought he'd be a sub and didn't think he'd get on, but I understand he did well. It makes no difference though, because he's back with us now.
"We don't want him to go anywhere and he doesn't want to go anywhere."
By Chris Hudson