Reading Chronicle | Sport | Thatcham prepare for summer shake-up

Saturday, 17th May, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 16th April, 2008 12:00

Thatcham prepare for summer shake-up

By By Pete Phillips

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Thatcham’s winless run was extended to 11 games last weekend as they went down 2-1 at Andover and Ackling is preparing for a busy summer as he looks to overhaul his squad.

Ackling admits the squad doesn’t need major surgery but he is keen to freshen things up after seeing the team’s Southern League (South & West) campaign tail away in recent weeks.

He said: “We’re just playing out the season now and have been beaten in the last two games by teams who haven’t been better than us but have just had a bit more desire.

“We’ve certainly tailed off in the last two matches but it’s helped me get a clear idea in my head of the players who won’t be here next season.

“I’ve seen the players’ attitude and commitment and I know the ones I want to keep and those I don’t.

“Some of the players want to play for the club while some are past their sell-by date and don’t seem to have the club at heart.

“I’m glad I’ve had these few weeks to assess the playing squad as it would have been harder coming in cold over the summer. But the hard work will really start when the season stops as we’ll be looking to bring in good replacements within the budget.”

Thatcham will look to finish their home campaign on a high this Saturday when they entertain Taunton at Waterside Park this Saturday.

Ackling is hoping to welcome Joe Tillen back to the squad and is keen to finish on a high.

“It would be good to round the home season off with a win and give the supporters something to cheer about,” he said.

“Taunton were on a bad run but they’ve won their last two against Bracknell and Marlow so we’re expecting a tough game.”

Thatcham will need to raise their game this weekend after they slipped to a disappointing defeat at struggling Andover last weekend.

Ackling’s side got off to the worst possible start as they conceded a goal after just 17 seconds when Phil Andrews thumped home a stunning volley.

Sam Rea and Sean Cook missed good chances to draw Thatcham level but Andover doubled their advantage just past the half hour mark when Andrews bagged his second.

Cook pulled a goal back for Thatcham six minutes before the interval after Dave Asker’s shot deflected into his path but that proved to be the end of the scoring as Andover hung on for a win that secured their Southern League status for another season.

“We got back into it after going 2-0 down but although we huffed and puffed after the break we never really created much,” admitted Ackling.

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