Mick Bradshaw is not willing to change his football philosophy despite admitting Rayners Lane have struggled with the physicality of the Hellenic League Division One East.
The Lane boss had to rebuild the team this summer following the departure of former manager Dene Gardner and a raft of the club’s more experienced players.
His new-look side possess more youthful enthusiasm than last year’s crop and Bradshaw likes to play a passing-style and keep the ball on the deck whenever possible.
They have come unstuck on occasion against the league’s more direct teams this term, but the Lane chief insists he won’t tinker with his tactics at Tithe Farm.
Bradshaw said: “We’ve got a very young side, roughly about 21-years-old, and they will grow up and put on weight as they get older. As they get older they will also mature emotionally and learn to cope with most things that are thrown at them.
“I certainly won’t be changing my football philosophy and I don’t think the boys would want to either. I try to recruit players who buy into the way I want to play. There’s commonality between what they want and what I want. The players that we’ve lot this year weren’t really equipped to deal with that.
“The signs are good and the players are beginning to develop an understanding. The players that haven’t previously played through me are learning my style and playing through the three thirds of the pitch.
“We need protection from the referees as well though and it’s difficult to find a referee who can stand up to the opposition putting pressure on them at times.”
Bradshaw’s faith in his young side stems from his grounding in coaching at Arsenal, Watford and Fulham’s academy systems.
Rayners Lane were last night (Wednesday) due to be in action in the Middlesex Premier Cup Quarter Final as they hosted Hanworth Villa Reserves. They are set to travel to Didcot Town Reserves in the league on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Wembley boss Ian Bates has again raised the debate on Twitter over 3G pitches following his side’s latest postponement as Saturday’s visit Farnham Town was called off due to the poor weather.
"Every year is becoming a winter break so why doesn’t the lower leagues look at it,” Bates said. “Start [the league a week earlier] and finish a week later.
“I would rather play on a well groomed grass pitch than 3G but there is not many of them about. So 3G does have a case.”
The Lions are due to be at home to Ash United this weekend.
