In an open and honest interview Spartans manager Tom Wade insisted that he is under no illusions at the challenge that lies in front of the club after a “poor” couple of years and described some of the displays as “shocking”. Wade and Assistant Manager Colin Myers have set about the challenge of bringing back Spartans fans who have stayed away from Croft Park by putting together a young hungry side who are playing a more adventurous brand of football. Wade had sympathy with those supporters but is up for the challenge of convincing them that they will get “value for money” with his young side.
“There are a lot of fringe supporters who we have to convince things are happening here. I can’t blame them for staying away because the last few seasons have been poor and there have been some shocking performances. Hopefully we can convince them that they can come and watch in confidence and be entertained by a side who want to play for them. We can only play one way and we will continue to do that, that’s how we are going to be so we will develop this young side as well as the confidence in them from the supporters by giving them value for money.”
Ahead of the home fixture against Matlock Town, Spartans are undefeated in their four league fixtures so far and their form has won praise from supporters and members of the press. However the praise that has pleased Wade most has been that from opposing managers, with Worksop Town manager Mark Shaw stating he felt Spartans could finish in the top six after last weekend’s 3-3 draw at Croft Park. However despite the praise Wade did reveal that he still wanted to give the players times to settle into life at Croft Park and that both he and Myers are looking beyond the end of the season as they look to develop their side.
“The supporters seem happy and I’m delighted with the start but we’ve only played four games. We’ve had some good performances and the reality is we are playing great football but we have dropped points which gives us a reminder we aren’t there yet and we need that at times. It’s great to hear other managers praising us because it shows how well we are doing but me and Colin are looking to let these lads settle in and see where we are at Christmas, then we will know what is realistic in terms of a league finish and getting ready for next season”