Hayden Bird's programme notes
The K's manager was unable to write his programme notes by the deadline, but he wrote them anyway and here they are:
Good afternoon and welcome to Kingstonian for today's Isthmian League Premier Division fixture with Brightlingsea Regent.
I think it is fair to suggest like many of you, I cut a frustrated figure on Wednesday night. Although drawing 1-1 with 5th placed Horsham does not represent a poor result, it was definitely 2pts lost rather than 1pt gained. Although we didn’t play close to our capability, once again we were the better team, controlled sustained periods of the match and were ahead. To suffer from a 91st minute equaliser was a bitter pill to swallow. A very bitter pill to swallow. We were absolutely devastated. As you would have seen from my interview with Jamie, I was very unhappy. We have to manage these situations better, we have to finish teams off and we have to be far more controlled in getting the job done. These players are desperate to in for Kingstonian. On Wednesday, the players desire to win took over. We want the team to play with emotion but not on emotion. The two are very different. One has control and one doesn’t. One ensures you win, whilst the other plays the game out hoping to win. We’ve got to be better than that. We have to be more professional at the latter stages of the game.
Since Wednesday I’ve been asked by numerous people if we need new players. The players are here, the players are capable and I trust them all. A revolving door is not the answer; striving to improve is the answer. Let’s remember, Kingstonian have only been beaten once in the league since 23rd October. During that period, we have played 14 League games, Won 7, Drawn 6, Lost 1. It is our job to work hard to find the answers that will turn the draws into victories. That is exactly what we are doing.
We were delighted to see Dan Bennett return to the team on Wednesday night. I’m pleased to say Reece will be back by next Saturday and Ollie, who suffered a slight set-back, hopes to be in contention for Tuesday’s trip to Leatherhead. Jerry is available once again today as is young Sam.
In welcoming Brightlingsea Regent, we face an opponent who are fighting for points. It’s tight at the foot of the table and our visitors will be doing everything possible to win.
This is certainly not a game to be taken lightly.
Hayden Bird
