Rob Smith: Some AFC Telford players are cheating the club
Boss Rob Smith has slammed some of his AFC Telford United players as ‘cheating the football club’ after a heavy defeat at Boston United.
The Bucks lost 3-0 at York Street on Saturday as they were made to pay for major lapses in concentration at the back, and dropped to 18th in the National League North table.
Being nine points clear with four games left, they are very likely safe, but Smith will not take complacency and, without giving names, said: “I think some of them are cheating the football club in the way they are playing, and the commitment they are putting in.
“I’ve had an horrendous two seasons as a manager – and I’ll take that, we haven’t been great.
“But, I haven’t cheated anybody. I’ve put in my graft. That’s all we ask for, 11 players to graft.
“There, you have probably seen four or five and the rest, it’s a nice little day out in the sunshine.”
Jay Rollins (two) and Mani Dieseruvwe – via the penalty spot – netted for the hosts. Telford had a few chances, most notably Lee Hughes having a one-on-one saved.
“It’s a game we went to get something out of, should have got something out of, but we make ridiculous, ridiculous decisions,” said Smith.
“We will hobble on until the end of the season and stay up. But I want decisions to make. I’ve said to the players, ‘don’t you have any personal embarrassment from giving up and not trying? Where is the pride?’
“Some can’t wait to have a shower and get out. It’s baffling to me, it’s alien to me.
“A football club like Telford deserves more than that.
“We can’t go on with a team that is going to give goals away like this, we can’t.
“I don’t want us to keep losing games until the end of the season. Let’s show a bit of pride.”
Telford’s remaining fixtures are at Stockport Country, at home against Nuneaton Town, away at Darlington and then finally at home against Harrogate Town.
When asked if he is ready for the season to end, Smith added: “I’d love to be able to play. I’d love to be able to go out there, but I can’t.
“I’ve never wanted a football season over in my life – I get bored.
“I love my Saturdays, but I love winning. They’re not giving me what I want. They’re not giving the club what they should be entitled to.”
