Shaun Wilikinson tells Baffins Milton Rovers players to 'start taking greater responsibility'

Baffins Milton Rovers are looking to end their eight-game winless run when they host Bournemouth in the Wessex Premier at the PMC Stadium on Saturday.
Baffins boss Shaun Wilkinson. Picture: Chris Moorhouse (080820-18)Baffins boss Shaun Wilkinson. Picture: Chris Moorhouse (080820-18)
Baffins boss Shaun Wilkinson. Picture: Chris Moorhouse (080820-18)

After a good start to the season, Shaun Wilkinson's side have lost their way.

The Baffins boss is now challenging his players to start stepping up and take more responsibility for results.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘Obviously, we are in need of a pick-me-up,' said Wilkinson.

‘We managed to stop the rot with a draw against Tadley last week but at Fareham on Tuesday we fell back into our bad ways.

‘I am getting tired of listening to my own voice.

‘A reaction is needed and players must take a greater responsibility.

‘I am under no pressure, apart from that I put on myself, because we have a two-year plan.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘The aim is to build something to have a real good go at it next year.

‘Players need to show that they want to be part of these plans, at the moment, not many are doing so.

People would pay to watch us train but we can't get it together on matchdays.

‘Confidence is low but once we get a win - even a scrappy one-nil will do - then I am certain things will start to click.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘We did well at the start of the season but have gone the other way in the last five or six weeks.’

Wilkinson's situation isn't helped by a goalkeeping crisis.

First choice Charlie Searle is ruled out by a groin strain and other options, Ryan Young and Nick Jordan, are both unavailable.

Wilkinson is trying to bring in an emergency goalkeeper but should that prove unsuccessful, it could mean a first start for 16-year-old Bailey Neil.

‘We have to dig in and most of all start well,' he added.

‘I would love a clean sheet because I can't remember the last one.

‘If we can do that then it will give us something to build on.’

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.