Craig Dootson has not had to wait long for confirmation that he has a tough task in pulling Kendal Town out of relegation trouble.
The new manager at Parkside Road has even had calls from pals questioning his mental health – after a seven goal mauling at Runcorn and a County Cup loss to Appleby.
He said: “I had retired from football and wasn’t looking to get into management, but Kendal has always been a bit special.
“I enjoyed playing for the club, the fans were great and it’s a lovely part of the country. I want it to do well.
“But the players need to show the same commitment to the club in their performances and I’m afraid the last two displayers were nowhere near good enough.
“We downed tools for 40 minutes at Runcorn and paid the price and against Appleby were never at the races.
“With all due respect to Appleby, for the level we are at, we should have beaten them but last night we were very poor. I can accept being beaten by a superior team but what I can’t have is a lack of desired effort.
“I’m not saying what I didn’t say in the dressing room and there will have to be a massive improvement when we get back to League football on Saturday.”
Appleby, the Westmorland County Cup holders had taken the lead with a good finish from Jordan Crawford, before Scott McDonald levelled for Kendal.
The game was won by a Dan Robinson penalty in the second-half as Appleby went on to a thoroughly deserved victory.
“I’m trying to bring in at least a couple of new faces for Saturday and my phone has been red hot. I’m looking for favours from one or two managers I know as well. It’s no secret we have a very young squad and desperately need some experience,” he said.
Kendal are four points from safety and on Saturday have a home game against Newcastle Town, currently 16th of 20, 13 points better off than the Mintcakes.
