Cheltenham Civil Service: dead and buried, or just getting started?
Head coach Steve Holend remains positive despite his side struggling for form so far this season.
Currently sitting twelfth with ten games played, there’s a long way to go until the end of the season, which gives Civil Service plenty of time to turn things around.
“We’re one third of the way into the league campaign, and we’ve all agreed that we need to work a bit harder. We need to get a little bit closer as a unit too,” said Steve Holend.
He cited “inconsistency around availability, training and player turnover game to game” as factors in his sides’ struggles.
Shifting focus towards their exploits out on the pitch, Steve has identified two key areas of weakness.
“We need to improve both final thirds really.”
“How many teams have actually ripped us apart to score their goals? Not many. How many of those situations could have been avoided? The vast majority.”
Scoring just 12 in 10 so far this season, his side lack an obvious goal threat. Steve is hoping to rectify that with a new signing.
“I’m just in the process of signing Declan Chick from Smiths Barometrics. He’s a number nine. He’s got a bit of fight about him which I think is something we need. He knows where the back of the net is.”
Civil Service once again face a weekend away from the pitch following the cancellation of Saturday’s game with Bromley Heath United. However, when Steve’s players do return to action, he’s going into it with realistic expectations.
“I’m not anticipating that we’re suddenly going to go out and be everything that we need to be.”
Finally, looking ahead to the rest of the season, Steve outlined some key areas that his side need to work on.
“The thing that I’m really looking for is for us to get back that camaraderie, get back the togetherness, get back the commitment where everybody is calling upon each other.”
Cheltenham Civil Service will hope to return to action next weekend as they host sixth placed Stoke Gifford United.
