Diss Town managers focused on the job in hand at Brewers Green Lane
After the club threw their support behind him and fellow joint boss Matt Coote, Mark Sutcliffe is now focused on getting on with the job in hand at Diss Town.
A run of no win in eight outings has seen the Tangerines drop out of play-off contention and down to 11th in the Thurlow Nunn League First Division North standings.
Criticism of the management duo, who took charge in September last year, has followed, much of which has been aired on social media.
However, a statement released by the club last week insisted that they were ‘fully committed’ to Sutcliffe and Coote, whom they backed to turn things around with the benefit of having a full pre-season behind them.
And Sutcliffe is now concentrating on vindicating the support that has been shown.
“We’ve had a few personnel leave and a few we asked to leave that we felt were a bit disruptive,” said Sutcliffe.
“There’s been a lot of stuff said on social media, saying how we’re not fit for the job and things like that.
“But if people don’t commit, they can’t expect to be playing or be part of what we are trying to achieve.
“The support the club has given us is massive. The club has not been where it should be for a long time now for a number of reasons.
“We are keen to put that right, but I accept results haven’t been great recently.
“There has been a lot of disappointing Saturday afternoons and Tuesday nights, but we’re happy with the squad we’ve got now and it’s a lot more of a positive group.
“With a bit of time and a summer to work through things I’m confident we’ll get there.”
With just three matches left to play this term, plans are already in motion for next season – particularly in terms of recruitment.
Sutcliffe is keen to make additions to the squad, although he and Coote are not plotting wholesale changes.
“We finish soon so it gives us a chance to get out and watch a few games across Norfolk and Suffolk,” he added.
“Firstly, we’re happy with the players we’ve got and we want them to be a part of things next year.
“But if we can add three, four or five players with that little bit of experience from a higher level, that would be a big boost.
“They’ve got to be the right players though and the right fit – we don’t just want to sign anyone.”
That is not to say Coote is happy to see the current campaign fizzle out.
Diss host Norwich CBS tomorrow (3pm) before a trip to Peterborough North End (next Saturday) and a home clash with Great Yarmouth Town. And Coote is looking to head into the summer on a positive note.
“We want to finish strongly. There are nine points left to play for and we want all of them,” he said.
“We’ll play some of the younger lads like George Exworth – he was exceptional against Sheringham and deserved to be man of the match. Players like Brad Potter will also get other chances.
“We’re keen to give some opportunities to players, especially with a fully competitive squad like ours is.”