Wisbech boss Appleby keen to get Fenmen smiling again

WISBECH Town manager Steve Appleby is aiming to bring smiles back to the faces of everyone involved with the club.

The Fenmen boss was livid with Saturday’s 1-1 home league draw with Brantham Athletic and held two training sessions to get things right ahead of tomorrow’s FA Vase tie with Newmarket Town.

But Appleby says he was more interested in lifting spirits within his squad than punishing his players.

He said: “Me and Chris (Dear, assistant manager) gave the lads an absolute rollicking on Saturday as we felt it was needed because even though we got a point at the death it still felt like a loss.

“However we must remember what level we play at and players have work commitments so we’ve never had the chance to train twice a week this season.

“Doing two sessions this week was not about punishment or anything like that. It gave us the chance to work on a few things that are not quite right like team shape.

“We worked hard, had a bit of fun and lifted morale. We’re not that far away as we’ve had some great results, more so on the road, and are all keen to improve.”

Appleby is hopeful that a win tomorrow will raise spirits further after a run of disappointing performances at the Tom Wood’s Beer Fenland Stadium.

“A cup run lifts everyone’s spirits and we’re keen to get everyone associated with this club smiling again,” said the Fenmen boss.

“Clubs from our league have done really well in the competition recently. Newmarket might fancy their chances with our results recently but we’re confident that practice can make perfect.”