Robins fires warning shot
Written by Mark Stokes on Monday 14th September 2009

We have had two days to prepare for the game and there is certainly a lot to be done to get it how I want it. We need to be a lot better at the basics.

The only real change in the game was when I brought of Thompson for Odejayi and that relieved some of the pressure because we were being over-run, but the main difference was when Hume came on.

We were struggling and O'Neill was struggling to play in that roll today. To be honest they have been a million times better in training but when the whistle goes and you have people watching it just seems to be a lack of confidence.

I am pleased with David Preece's contribution and did what was asked of him.

They are tentative and you need blood and thunder at times and we needed to impose ourselves. You don't need confidence to run around and challenge for the ball and I didn't see much evidence of them doing that today.

It has given me a few more ideas and pointers ahead of Tuesday. This is where the job really starts.

If the players come with me and do what I am asking of them there won't be a problem. If they can’t or won't then it is a different matter. We owe the supporters 100 per cent in each game and I don't think they have had that. You have got to run around, get your foot in and win tackles, basic principle and we didn't do enough of it.

I am trying to do something to strengthen the squad and are a lot more competitive on the pitch. Some of the players have had an opportunity today and it hasn't been good enough. How we do that - some personnel may need to change.

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