News & EventsLatest NewsCalendar
Palmer challenges his players

Palmer challenges his players

David Laughlin23 Feb 2017 - 09:39
Share via
FacebookTwitter
https://www.belpertownfc.co.uk

Belper Town boss Charlie Palmer has challenged his players to show him they are deserving of being at the club next season.

Palmer (pictured) believes he has built solid foundations to the team but has highlighted key areas where he wants to see an improvement.

The Nailers boast one of the best defences in the Evo-Stik League First Division South, conceding just 29 in 28 matches so far.

Only table toppers Shaw Lane AFC (16) and Witton Albion (22) have shipped in fewer this season than Palmer’s mean men at the back.

And, with the number 32 in the goals for column, the Belper boss wants to unearth a natural goalscorer to compliment his team.

Palmer said: “Defensively we’ve done very well. We have one of the best defensive records in the league.

“We’ve brought in players to do a job up front to score goals. That’s not materialised but I need, in the next 14 games, for players to show me the faith I’ve shown in them.

“They need to start scoring goals and creating chances for us to kill teams off. There have been numerous games which have been tight and I’ve thought if we can add a natural goalscorer - and it’s my job to bring a natural goalscorer in - he’ll kill off games.”

And he added: “I think I need to identify a player who can take on that responsibility. We are at the stage of the season where I want to go on a run but players need to show me they want to be here next season.

“The only way you’re going to do that is in performances. No matter what status you’ve got, or money you’re earning.

“I’ve got an idea. I’ve spoken to two or three players about next season who I want to keep. There are other players that have question marks. They need to show me in their performances. Not telling me what they can do or what they’ve done in the past. It’s in the hands of the players.”

Palmer has brought in two young players who he said will be in contention for Saturday’s game against second-from-bottom Rugby Town.

Forward Dylan Garnett has joined from Burton Albion and defender Jordan Richards from Notts County.

“They’ll be involved on Saturday,” said Palmer.

“It adds a bit of spice and competition. Certain players will realise they’re not just coming into the changing rooms and picking up a shirt. There maybe a couple of changes come Saturday. I just needed to freshen it up.

“I need some competition up front. Dylan trained with us on Saturday and looks a footballer. It’ll be a challenge for him to play against men but I’m a great believer you’ve got to give lads a chance. I’m willing to give them a chance.”

The Nailers have produced two goalless draws in February, against Stocksbridge Park Steels and AFC Rushden & Diamonds, and a 2-1 defeat to high-flying Witton Albion.

And Palmer wants points over performances.

He said: “Rugby are fighting for their lives. They’ve brought in a couple of players who will obviously strengthen them. Their performances have improved and they’ve picked up a couple of results, so we know it’s going to be a tough game.

“At this present time we are playing better away from home but we need to perform at home and obviously give a good performance. A good result would be good for us because if I’m honest we all want to play well but it’s not about performances.

“It’s about recognising how we can win games and if it’s going to have to be dull, as long as we get the result, the performance isn’t going to be key. We need a result on Saturday so I’ll be drumming that into the players’ heads.”

Credit: Belper News

Further reading