‘Nowhere near it’ - Stalybridge interim boss issues warning after Bootle defeat
Stalybridge Celtic interim player-manager Liam Tongue has warned his team-mates that they are “all on trial” following Saturday's heavy 5-2 defeat at Bootle.
Despite winning their first game since his departure against Avro, their 5-2 loss at fellow play-off chasers Bootle has left interim player-manager Tongue with more questions than answers.
“In the first half, we were nowhere near it,” Tongue said post-match.
“I felt that in the second half, they couldn’t get near us in the first 15 minutes, and we’re not going to score two better goals this season.
“The scoreline doesn’t reflect the second half performance, but it definitely does reflect the first half. Over the course of 90 minutes, we weren’t anywhere near the standards we set last week.”
The 27-year-old has had experience being interim manager previously, during his time at former club Guiseley.
Tongue stressed the importance of the squad performing in front of potential new bosses.
“It’s like we are all on trial, because a new manager will come in and he will have his own ideas on how he wants to play and who he wants to bring in,” he admitted.
“I said to the boys last week that if we played like we did [against Avro], they would want every single one of us.
“A few of the lads today said that if a new manager walked in now, he would want to rip it apart.
“Last week we were putting our bodies on the line to stop goals, and today we just looked a bit sluggish.
“At times, it seemed like some of the lads were just doing what they wanted to do.”
As it stands, Tongue will remain in caretaker charge for Stalybridge’s upcoming league game on Tuesday night, as they welcome Clitheroe to Bower Fold.
Clitheroe are another side who will be hoping to land themselves a place in the top five over the next few weeks, currently sitting four points adrift but with four games in hand.
Looking ahead to the importance of their next fixture, Tongue said: “If a new manager is watching, you want to show heart and desire.
“Ultimately, they’re the ones who stay, and they’re the ones who are winners.
“Hopefully on Tuesday, everyone shows up with the right mentality and we can put on a show at home.”
