Kings Heath Bench Talk

A warm welcome to everyone for the first home game for the lads in almost three weeks in what is a very important month for us following a horrible month of October.

Five league losses on the trot have seen us plummet into the relegation area following the most horrendous run of injuries I have ever known in my football career. We have 24 players in what I consider to be my first team squad and during October we have had between 10 and 17 players injured for each game. I cannot fault the commitment of the lads who have been playing but we have clearly lacked the necessary leadership and experience on the pitch and the confidence of the lads has taken a bashing.

The crisis reached ridiculous proportions two weeks ago when we went down 3-1 at Romulus with a combined total of 22 First and Reserve team lads out injured. With those missing through work, holiday and domestic commitments we had over 35 players unavailable and had to make a plea to the league to cancel one of our games as we struggled to turn out even one team. Of those involved, Mark Langley and Ian Millward were making their first appearances of the season following long term injury. They were simply there to help us out and it was far from ideal that I had to re-introduce them into the set-up before they were fit and ready. Neil Jones was signed on the Tuesday and made hid debut as well and was rewarded with a first half goal. We await the outcome of the league decision for our failure to fulfil the reserve team fixture. We hope they look kindly upon the extreme circumstances.

November is important because we have three league games against opposition in and around us in the league as well involvement in the British Police Cup and the Challenge Cup both of which are vital in giving the lads something to play for in trophy terms. It started brightly last Wednesday when we beat Leicestershire Constabulary 2-1 at their ground with goals from Dave Blake and Dave Harnett. That was Arnie's first of the season in what was a very encouraging team performance as we came back from an unfortunate own goal by Lyndon Price. It was also pleasing to see Ian Millward make his first starting appearance as well as the first involvement of season long injury absentee Carl Hancox who was on the bench.

Paul Webb may well be fit for today and slowly but surely the injury list appears to be shortening. Mike Mason is likely to be playing within a fortnight and Mark Bellingham's 'clear out' of his knee looks like it may well have worked and he is setting himself a return date of January. All of the other injured lads are recovering and likely to be playing within the next three weeks. Their recovery is vital to the success of the club this season.

My congratulations to the Reserve team on their excellent 3-1 victory over leaders Barnt Green Spartak last Saturday as they continue their improved performances of late. It is particularly heartening when you consider how many of their regular lads have had to help out the first team during the injury nightmare.

Today's game needs a large dose of self-belief from the lads to start turning things around. We hope that you enjoy the game.