Lessons have been learned says determined Reds boss Byfield - The Redditch Standard

Lessons have been learned says determined Reds boss Byfield

Redditch Editorial 19th Jan, 2017 Updated: 19th Jan, 2017   0

REDDITCH United boss Darren Byfield says he learned several valuable lessons in management as Saturday’s horror show at Frome Town unfolded – and has vowed to put things right.

The Reds conceded five second half goals, including four in the final 14 minutes, as their play-off chasing hosts ran riot against a visiting side which in Byfield’s words “capitulated” in the 8-1 Southern League Premier Division defeat.

Byfield has reacted to the loss by releasing midfielder Reece Hales and attackers Simeon Cobourne and Danico Johnson from his squad.

On the incoming front he has swooped to bring popular former Reds centre back and local lad Jim Mutton back to the Valley after a spell at Hednesford Town and as the Standard went to press was set to sign winger Charlie Morris from Solihull Moors.




However, Byfield accepts it is more than just personnel which needed to change in order to ensure there was no repeat.

“It was horrible watching us capitulate. To concede four times from corners in one match is simply unacceptable,” said the manager.


“We didn’t have anybody talking, there were no leaders on the pitch at all. The football we played was far too tippy-tappy and was getting us nowhere.

“It’s very annoying how inconsistent we have been this season and Saturday was the end for some players here.

“I know the result and performance has upset our fans and we owe them big style now, in particular the supporters who travelled to watch us. We will respond on Saturday at home to Biggleswade Town.”

Byfield revealed he has quickly learned that talent will only get you so far and knows a more physical approach will be required to get results on a consistent basis.

“I’ve got footballers here, no question, but they are not getting in people’s faces. We need to start doing that and make life difficult for the opposition,” he added.

“I want us to become a box to box team who defend and score goals. That’s not to say we have to become one-dimensional, but the game is about doing the basics in both boxes

“I thought I could mould certain players into winners but I’ve learned I can’t. I can spot talented players and work with them, but I also need to identify those willing to put their foot in.

“I’ll say this, we will be fired up for Saturday. The bucks stops with me.”

Byfield is delighted to welcome Mutton back to the Valley and says he is the type of player needed to help his side close the gap on the play-off places and also set foundations in place for next season.

He said: “Jim is a Redditch boy. He’s got a pride about him which we need. He’d have kicked somebody over the stand to stop us conceding some of the goals we did on Saturday.

“Charlie is a player who I know well from Solihull Moors and I think he can bring an extra dimension to our game.

“It’ll be a tough match against Biggleswade who’ve got a really powerful and in-form striker in the shape of Inih Effiong, but we need to stand up and do everything in our power to get the three points.”

One player who will not be moving to the newly-named Trico Stadium – at least for the time being – is Evesham United striker Lance Smith.

Smith has scored 26 goals for the Robins this season and is Division One South & West’s top scorer in helping his side into second place, tempting Byfield into making an approach for his services.

However, after meeting the Reds boss, Smith has decided to stay put.

“Lance is a nice guy and was tempted to make the move, but for the moment has decided to stay with Evesham and help their promotion push,” said Byfield.

“He has shown loyalty, but it could be one we revisit in the future.”

REDDITCH United are offering buy one get one half price admission prices for Saturday’s visit of Biggleswade Town.

In addition, there will be happy hour prices – £2.50 – on all draught beers between 2-3pm and 5-6pm in the Reds Bar.

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