Realistic Holbeach United manager Danny Clifton accepts that it’s “highly likely” that his side will finish the season without winning a single game.
Clifton, who is the Tigers’ third manager this season, admits that he doesn’t feel like his job at Carter’s Park has really started yet – given that all eyes at the club are now on next season.
Holbeach, who are bottom of Uhlsport UCL Premier Division North and 15 points from safety with seven games to play, are now relying on some kind of league restructuring if they are to stay at step five of the non-league ladder.
Clifton says he is ready for either scenario as he and his team of teenagers prepare of a home clash with Leicester Nirvana on Saturday (3pm).
Clifton said: “I think the truth is that our final seven games are all against sides that are well ahead of us in the league – and it’ll be hard to get that win we so badly want. It’s highly likely that we’ll both finish bottom of the table and not win a game.
“It’s strange, though, as I do feel like I’ve not really started my job here yet. We’ve managed to get a youthful team together to actually make sure we have a team to finish the season with.
“But next year we want a squad of 18 players and we need more age groups represented – those lads in their mid-20s and others who are older and have been regular players at this kind of level.
“What we’re looking at is a summer shake-up and, as I’ve said, it’s all about identifying the lads who are capable of being good players at this level.
“Look at the Melton game last week. They had a young lad come in and score on his debut, which was great to see. He had ten experienced players alongside him, while we had a team full of youth players.
“The likes of Lewis Baughan have shown their ability, but he would be even better alongside players that have the experience and knowhow.
“Whether we’re in the league below or find a way to stay up that goes beyond where we finish, I’m preparing for both.”
The Tigers could have two more experienced heads in the squad for that one. He’s put in a seven-day approach for an unnamed Blackstones defender, while ex-Spalding United defensive midfielder Dan Mason has expressed a desire to sign. Both are in their mid-20s.
As we went to press nothing was completed, but Clifton was inclined to sign both players and have a look at them in the final seven matches.
- Divisional rivals Pinchbeck United are without a fixture this weekend.
The Knights have played the joint-second most games in the league, so their relegation rivals have the chance to make up ground on them – including Selston, who are at fourth-placed Anstey Nomads.
