Poate: Gosport players need to know the truth

He admits the current situation at Privett Park is unsettling for the entire squad.

They have largely been kept in the dark about the financial problems and speculation concerning manager Alex Pike.

Pike was interviewed last week for the vacant post at AFC Totton and is waiting to hear the verdict.

In the meantime, Gosport Borough face a difficult National League South trip to Hemel Hempstead in an atmosphere of uncertainty.

Poate and his team-mates just want to know the truth of the situation.

They suffered a similar predicament last season when players’ wages were late and the club was placed under a transfer embargo because of unpaid debts.

‘All the speculation around the club seems to be non-stop at the moment,’ said Poate.

‘We, the players, have only been told a little bit.

‘There is talk of takeovers, the manager leaving and the club facing a winding-up order.

‘You keep telling yourself that what is happening off the pitch shouldn’t matter.

‘All the time, though, it is bound to be preying on players’ minds.

‘There is a lot of unrest at the moment.

‘We just want to be told what is happening.

‘At the end of the day, we want to be able to concentrate on playing football.’

Poate is suspended for tomorrow’s game at Hemel Hempstead after picking up five bookings already this season.

His involvement will be on the sidelines, offering support to the players facing a difficult challenge.

Borough have suffered three successive defeats – two of which were at home.

Those losses include a humiliating 6-0 thrashing by Chelmsford City at the Aerial Direct Stadium.

It has not been easy for the players to pick themselves up with all that has been happening at the club.

‘It is not the easiest of situations but we have to focus on the football side of things,’ added Poate.

‘We have lost three games on the bounce and must look to turn things around.

‘At the minute, we keep making defensive errors and getting punished for them.

‘If we can cut out the errors we will give ourselves half a chance of getting a positive result.

‘Also, we aren’t scoring enough goals.

‘The players will continue to be as professional as they can.

‘Any point we can get at the moment is a good point.

‘We know that as a club we have to dig deep, show some resilience and keep fighting for each other on the pitch.’

Fellow defender Tom Bird is also suspended and striker Ben Wright is an injury doubt.

Another front man, Chris Flood, trained during the week but it is probably too early for him to return from his injury.

Gosport Borough: Rice, Cuthbertson, Wilde, Carter, Oastler, Dawson, Harding, Barron, Bentley, Wooden, Brice, Carmichael, Bailey, Walters