Newark Town : Coach set to give youth a chance

Newark Town manager Steve Chappell is looking to turn the fortunes of his struggling side around as 12 straight league defeats have left them rooted to the bottom of the Central Midlands League Division North.

The Blues suffered a 6-2 defeat at home to Appleby Frodingham on Saturday in Chappell’s second game as manager.

He took charge of the side after interim manager Ricky Hunter stepped down last month.

Chappell said he was pleased with the performances of the younger players and he would be selecting under-21 players in every team this season.

He said: “We are not going to win any trophies [this season] and so I said to the board half the squad is going to be under-21s.

“Half will be under-21s and half the squad is going to be senior players.”

Chappell said despite overseeing two defeats since he took the reins, the performances were getting better.

“The young lads are getting more experience and they are getting better every match,” he said.

“We have cut the squad down a bit so everybody can get to know each other.

“Everybody is getting to know each other more instead of five new players coming in every week and everyone is starting to play for each other.

“It is improving, even from the 6-2 defeat at the weekend.”

'Things will pick up'

Chappell said he was optimistic about the future as his side’s performances had improved.

“I am quite optimistic and I know they are better now than what they were two weeks ago,” he said.

“It can only improve with the young lads getting experience and probably there’s a few more lads to come in.

“I think it will be okay and I think things will pick up.”

Chappell said the more established players in the side had noticed a difference.

“The older players — Sam Wilford and Kyle Nicholson — think it is a lot better than it was.

“There is more effort, there is more teamwork, better football and more courage.”

Chappell said he was now focus-ed on Saturday’s trip to Brodsworth Welfare, who are two places above Newark in the league.

Welfare have not won since they beat Newark 4-2 on September 2 and since then have lost nine games in a row.

“I am focused on that game and focused on getting something out of it,” he said.

“They are probably in the same boat as us and haven’t picked up points for a while.”