Byfield backs Reds after Trophy exit - The Redditch Standard

Byfield backs Reds after Trophy exit

Redditch Editorial 17th Nov, 2016   0

REDDITCH United manager Darren Byfield revealed he had held a ‘good and positive meeting’ with his players following their disappointing FA Trophy second qualifying round exit at Ramsbottom United on Tuesday.

Saturday’s original match in Greater Manchester had been postponed after torrential overnight rain left the pitch waterlogged and work commitments then meant Byfield was unable to call on the services of Jordan Jones, David McDermott and Reece Hales for the hastily rearranged match.

With Danico Johnson and Liam Spink injured, the visitors were left with a depleted squad including just three substitutes – one of which was Byfield who made an appearance out of retirement – and Redditch ended well beaten despite making a bright start.

However, Byfield was in no mood to make excuses and preferred to focus on how his side could bounce back when they host Weymouth in the Southern League Premier Division on Saturday.




“We made a really bright start and missed a one-on-one we should have scored from and also hit the bar, but after they took the lead we capitulated,” said Byfield.

“I was distraught after the match, but I’ve had time to reflect and after a good and positive meeting with the players on Wednesday we are all excited to get back on track.


“The players and I understand each other and I have told them to really enjoy the rest of the season. I don’t want us playing with fear.

“I spent many years as a professional footballer and have always gone about everything I have ever done professionally, but I had to remind myself that my players are not professional footballers.

“I cannot expect too much of them too soon.

“I spent a good period at Solihull Moors who outside the Football League really are one of the most professionally run clubs, despite not actually being professional.

“I am therefore used to wanting perfection and quickly but it doesn’t work that way and it took Marcus Bignot five-and-a-half years to get Moors into the position they are in now.

“Things don’t happen overnight and, having reminded myself of that, I am very upbeat about the steps we are taking at Redditch United.

“We are training twice a week on our own 3G pitch now, unless we have a midweek game that is, and that should really help us.”

Byfield, who has released Tuesday’s goalscorer Luke Shearer who is believed to be joining Hednesford Town, is on the lookout for a couple of additions to the ranks, but will only push deals through if they are the ‘right fit’.

“Anyone I bring in must make an improvement to the squad straight away,” said Byfield, who is hopeful of being able to call on the services of the absent midweek five this weekend, but may be without Eli Bako (ankle) and Jordan Brown (groin).

Redditch, currently tenth, visit Kettering Town on Tuesday.

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