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Benno's thoughts

Benno's thoughts

GAFC News1 Feb 2016 - 08:16
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Blues manager Mark Bentley tells us whats on his mind

We are looking to build on our good formsince the start of the year and keep put-ting pressure on the teams above us. It’s feeling a bit like déjà vu from last season with our form improving after a tough couple of months. If we can have anything like the run we had last year over the final few months then who knows where that will take us?
As I said to the lads last Saturday against Met Police I am not going to put pressure on them to win games I am looking for them to enjoy working hard and playing as a proper group, to react to mistakes positively and to play with a smile on your face.
Sometimes with a young team they may feel the pressures of having to win and I think everyone has been caught up a bit on our form over the last couple of months not having been great.
Those who made the journey last week to Met Police would certainly have seen a group of players that played with a lot of pride and passion and above all character [Hear, hear – Ed]. To come back from 2-0 down away from home and win the game comfortably is a massive credit to them. Maybe a month ago we might not have had that character and could have lost that game heavily. Sitting in the dressing room at 2-2 I could sense amongst the group that they would go on and win the game.

Since we have lost a few players over recent weeks the group, although a little small, have really pulled together and the atmosphere is good which also showed last week in training which was set at a fantastic standard and tempo.

In regards to the lads that have moved on I would like to wish them well and thank them for their contributions over the season. It’s the first time I have had to do it as a manager but will stand by my decisions that are best forthe squad and more importantly the club.

It’s a shame to lose someone of Jay Leader’s quality but I can assure you that myself and the club did all they could to keep him but as I am learning sometimes those decisions get taken out of my hands.
It is frustrating to see a player of that quality step down a level where he should have ambitions to play higher. But who am I to give advice !!

Anyway we move on and it’s an opportunity for others to step up. Young Jake has been waiting patiently for his chance and he is showing that he can be a more than adequate replacement.

I would also like to welcome Nick Symons tothe club who I have no doubt will add that bit of experience in the centre of the park.

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