Slough Observer | Sport | Slough boss hopeful despite stormy start

Wednesday, 9th July, 2008

Published: Friday, 28th March, 2008 09:59

Slough boss hopeful despite stormy start

By Steve Spencer

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NEW Slough Town FC manager Derek Sweetman is optimistic that he can save the Rebels from relegation despite losing his first two games in charge.

Sweetman had less than a week to prepare for his first match against Burnham on Saturday and his side gave a good account of themselves before losing 3-0.

On Easter Monday, Sweetman’s boys again played well but could not overcome a strong Windsor & Eton defence as the Royalist went on to win 1-0.

However, the new man In charge said there were a lot of positives to take from both games.

“I’m always optimistic,” said the thoughtful Rebels boss. “Every game you can win three points.

You’ve got to grab onto things. There is no point in being downbeat.

“We’re only two points behind Bracknell and if I have my way then we’ll kicking and screaming if we go down.”

Sweetman was quick to praise his players after the Windsor game for the way they stepped up following the defeat to Burnham two days prior.

“Things don’t change overnight, but I’m pleased with the boys’ attitude,” remarked Sweetman.

“I asked everyone for a response and they gave me one.

“The boys are really disappointed. They thought they were going to get something out of the game.

“Credit to every single player. Now I need that commitment for the rest of the season if we are going to stay up. I feel better about it today than I did after Saturday.

“Saturday was tough. We’ve had two big derbies in the space of three days. It’s always going to be tough.

“It was a good first half performance against Burnham, we played some good football. Then in the second half we stopped doing we did in the first. I’m disappointed we didn’t compete.

“There is no magic wand, it won’t happen overnight.”

The derby games saw debuts for a number of new players including midfielder James Pritchard who impressed against Burnham and Sweetman is hoping to make further additions to the squad.

“There’s a few irons in the fire. If we bring in players with the talent of James Pritchard then we’ll do okay. Things are progressing nicely off the pitch.”

Tomorrow (Saturday), the Rebels travel to AFC Hayes with Sweetman hoping to pick up his first points at the helm of the Holloways Park outfit.

He said: “AFC Hayes are a good footballing side. We’ve had them watched and I know a bit about the players. [Striker] Danny Jordan can easily undo you, just like Matt Seedel did today.”

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