Gary Whild will be looking to strengthen his squad for Ilkeston

Redditch United manager Gary Whild hinted he was already looking to bring in new players after his side's 4-1 home defeat by Stalybridge Celtic.

Whild told BBC Hereford and Worcester his young side would benefit from the addition of an older head or two.

"We have got a lot of youngsters who are enthusiastic but sometimes they need help from experienced players.

"The ones we have got here didn't give them that help so we shall see what Tuesday brings," he said.

As a former Blue Square Premier club with designs on heading back there, Stalybridge were always likely to be a tough test for the Reds and they took a 3-0 half-time lead.

We will see if we can get a few more bodies in to help the lads who are new to this level Gary Whild

Steve Hankin fired the visitors in front after 21 minutes with Mattie Barlow doubling the advantage seven minutes later.

The Reds' problems were further compounded in first-half stoppage time when centre-half Lucan Spittle put through his own goal.

Whild's side did give themselves a chance on 69 minutes when Jack Byrne pulled a goal back but the issue was put beyond doubt when Barlow netted his second of the game 16 minutes from time.

Whild felt the result was a rude awakening for some members of his new-look squad and made it very clear to the players that he would be expecting a much-improved showing on Tuesday when they head to Ilkeston Town.

"I think certain players let themselves and the club down because they didn't perform to the level they are capable of," he said.

"With young players coming into a side you are looking to your better players to perform and your more experienced players to stand up and be counted. That didn't happen."

Whild said the only plus point to come out of the game was that his players had come through largely unscathed.

But he made it clear that few of them would be able to consider themselves guaranteed to start the game at Ilkeston.

"Injury-wise I don't think we have got too many problems so we will just get ready for Tuesday now," he added.

"We will see if we can get a few more bodies in to help the lads who are new to this level."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version