Weston-super-Mare head coach Scott Bartlett endured another tough loss in his second match in charge of the struggling Seagulls as they slumped to their tenth defeat in a row at Ebsfleet United.
Despite dominating much of the first half and levelling things up, having gone behind, Weston once again capitulated and suffered their worst defeat of the season, conceding five goals in the process. It was this dip in performance which concerned Bartlett and he told the Mercury this is something he is looking to address. He said: “I thought we did alright for large parts of the game.
“But we don’t deal with disappointment well. We could have been three or four goals up in the first half.
“I just think it is a mentality thing. I want us to be harder to beat and I am here to take this football club forward but we are all in a transitional period which is not easy.
“I said to Jon [Haile, the club’s football development director] before the game we would learn a lot about the players and it came true.
“We got there a bit late – so you have a few things going against you – but I want them to now play for the badge and if I don’t see that desire then they won’t be here.
Bartlett has not been shy to make changes to the squad and this was the case throughout the past week, with three new additions arriving at The Woodspring Stadium. But the Seagulls now sit in 19th place in the National League South and alarmingly only two points above the relegation zone but Bartlett added it is better he knows the extent of the job he has on his hands now, rather than in the future.
He said: “I am glad it has happened now and we can rectify it.
“We still have 29 or so games to go so I don’t see Saturday’s game [away at Oxford City] as any bigger than any other.
“I know we are going to do well but when you lose a game you don’t want to lose another and I know Weston go on these runs of losing and winning so we need to change that.
“It is all about consistency. I had a good reaction yesterday and there were a few harsh words said in the changing room on Saturday.
“We have got some young players and I need more from the senior players now.”
Bartlett also told the Mercury he is expecting to make some additional signings between now and Saturday.
The Seagulls travel to Oxford City this weekend and he said he needs to have some more experienced heads in the dressing room to help the talented young players they have in the squad. I th
City lie just one point – and one place in the table – above Weston, so a win for either side would give their campaigns a much-needed boost.
Kick-off at Marsh Lane will be at 3pm.
For more Weston Football Club news and a full match report and reaction from the head coach after the game on Saturday, keep an eye on the Mercury website, or follow us on Twitter @WSMERCURY.
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