Tamworth must cut out individual errors and lapses in concentration to improve their defensive record, according to chairman Scott Farrington. The part-time club sits 22nd in the National League table with just five points from eight games, having conceded 22 goals already this season.
Farrington, who chairs the Tamworth FC Supporters Club, acknowledged the high expectations created by the club's new American owners, who have expressed ambition to reach the English Football League. He believes that goal will be extremely difficult to achieve until Tamworth becomes a full-time operation with the necessary infrastructure.
"We’re the only part time club in the league, while all of the other teams are either hybrid or full time," Farrington said. The chairman pointed to defensive consistency as the key difference between Tamworth and sides higher up the table, using fourth-placed Kidderminster Harriers as an example. While Kidderminster have scored 14 goals, just one more than Tamworth's 14, they have picked up significantly more points.
"We’ve scored 13 goals already and we’re still in the bottom three, which shows that we do have a threat " Farrington added, referencing the earlier tally. The team's recent form shows the problem, with no wins in their last five matches and three consecutive defeats. Their most recent outing was a 3-1 loss away to Southend United on Tuesday, with Nana Tshikuna scoring a consolation goal in the 70th minute.
Peaks has chairman's faith
Manager Andy Peaks, who delivered back-to-back promotions and guided the club to a successful campaign last season, retains the full confidence of the chairman. Farrington believes Peaks is the right man to get the best from a squad that has seen several new arrivals and is still learning to play together. The team proved last season it can get a result against any side in the division, and the chairman expects improvement as the group gains more experience.
The immediate focus is on shoring up a defence that has been prone to goalkeeping mistakes and costly errors. Farrington is convinced improvements can be made through greater discipline and concentration on the training ground. With the club 12 points adrift of leaders AFC Fylde, addressing these issues is urgent.
No specific team news was available prior to the Southend match, and Farrington declined to single out any individual 'dangerman' in the Tamworth ranks. The next opportunity to turn their form around comes quickly, with the squad looking to build cohesion ahead of a busy schedule. Supporters can view the full player roster and statistics on the official squad and stats pages.
More detail at Southend Echo
