Anderson calls for 'more leadership on the pitch' after 'embarrassing' display by Harrow Borough

DAVE Anderson will take the axe to his Harrow Borough squad later this week in the wake of an FA Cup performance on Saturday he labelled ‘Embarrassing and awful.’

Borough face a replay at North Greenford United on Tuesday after the 10-man Southern Central Division underdogs struck in the 94th and final minute of Saturday’s first meeting at Earlsmead to clinch a 2-2 draw.

A seething Anderson admitted his side had been more than lucky to be in front at the time and that a replay was the least United deserved for a display which showcased the grit and leadership his own side were found lacking.

And he claimed to not take action over the squad in light of the debacle would mean having failed in his duties as manager.

He said: “As soon as I get the replay out the way win or lose I am bringing more players in because I am not putting up with that.

“I don’t see how you can defend that performance.

“I was embarrassed by some of our play. I try not to get into the players or speak of my feelings publicly, but we were awful.

“I don’t see how you can put up with players who play without leadership on the field and as much as I think I’m happy with the squad I can’t be happy with that performance.

“You can’t sit on your laurels if it is that bad because to not act tells the players it’s alright.”

The departure of summer arrival Leroy Griffiths last week will create some funds for Anderson to lose and he warned several other players may be shown the door to make room for what he termed ‘Three or four real men with leadership qualities.’

“I am hoarse every Saturday night as are Darren Wilkinson and Mark Faulkner from organising the team on the pitch,” he said.

“We should not have to do that - It should be done by players on the field.

“So I am looking for men who are leaders on the pitch – I don’t think I have one at the minute.”

On Griffiths’ departure Anderson added: “It just did not happen for the lad and the travelling from south London was difficult for him.

“I have a lot of time for the lad, but it is done now and we have to move on.”