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Search forLeek Town: O'Connor axed as Blues look to arrest slide
Friday, November 21, 2008, 08:04
The axe fell on O'Connor after Saturday's 4-1 defeat against 10-man Stocksbridge Park Steels, which Blues boss Wayne Johnson described as 'embarrassing'.
After eight league games without a victory, Johnson claimed that the coaching set-up had to be changed.
"By no means am I saying that it's all Andy's fault," said the Leek manager.
"But the way we train and the coaching side of things has not been working.
"I have a lot of respect for Andy, but our style of play needs to change. I will hold my hands up – I have got us into this situation. The players also have to take half the blame as well."
Johnson is now set to relinquish his playing duties – unless injuries and suspensions demand otherwise – in order to concentrate fully on his management role.
And he added: "I'll be asking the question whether the players are with me or not. If they aren't, they can walk away.
"The players here are good enough – better than anything I have seen in this division. But they are not playing well.
"They are going to be doing it my way now. And I need the players' full support, which I don't think I'm getting at the moment."
Johnson claims a more pragmatic style may be necessary to halt Leek's alarming slide down the league.
"It might not be as pretty for the next couple of games," said the Blues boss.
"But we need to get results. We might need to go back to basics. I want a lot more passion and determination. It just does not seem to hurt when they get beat. I have never been one for just accepting defeat – and that's the attitude I want from the players."
Against Stocksbridge a never-say-die attitude was distinctly lacking, according to Johnson.
And the manager claimed only three players emerged from the game with any credit.
"There was no commitment and no heart," added the Town boss. "I was embarrassed. But how many of the players were embarrassed?
"We need to be more about passion and having the will to win."
For a full page of Blues news, plus a match report from Saturday's game at Stocksbridge, turn to page 62.
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