Graham Nicholas have vowed to get Garforth Town through their bad start to 2014
Graham Nicholas has vowed to get things right at Garforth Town after a bad start to 2014.
Garforth are yet to win this year and there was discontent on the terraces after the poor performance in the 2-0 defeat to Knaresborough Town in midweek.
Garforth operate on a shoe-string budget and Nicholas has done remarkably well to lead them to mid-table safety.
However, since the turn of 2014, his RIASA and Leeds Met University players have struggled to commit to matches which has left him short at times.
And ahead of the visit of the Winterton Rangers to Wheatley Park tomorrow, the Garforth head coach outlined his problems.
“There is no consistency and continuity and we keep saying the word consistency, but it does have an impact,” he said.
“My job is very difficult because I’m not doing my A-License sessions and working with the same players week-in-week-out.
“The key difference on Tuesday was Knaresborough turned up and believed in the Cup tie. They had more desire and play together on a weekly basis.
“They had more determination and they were playing for the club. We don’t. There are individuals playing for themselves and they’re playing because it is just another game.
“We need players that are committed to Garforth Town. It is frustrating, but I’m up for the fight and it is my job to turn things round. I’ve tried to start the ball for next season.
“I’m identifying players and talking to them and asking them if they can come in next season and ‘can you stay’. I’m happy with the ones who have said they can.
“It has been a mixed couple of weeks, but I’ve had a lot of time to think and like I say, I’m up for the fight and more committed than ever.”
One positive from the Knaresborough game was the return of striker Nick Black after four months out injured.
Black appeared as a second half substitute and Nicholas said: “It was superb to have him back and I said to him ‘I’m not expecting you to perform miracles out there, but I want you get 45 minutes out there’.”
Nicholas’ recent woes were added to last week by the departure of highly-rated RIASA player Logan McDaniel.
McDaniel moved to fellow RIASA partnership club Eccleshill United and Nicholas explained his exit.
“He had a conversation with me saying that because of academic reasons, he didn’t feel he could commit to midweek fixtures,” he said.
“It is disappointing to lose Logan because he was by far one of our better players. He has been consistent and I’m a bit disappointed he has gone to Eccleshill.”