Margate

[Andy K]

I wasn't there on Tuesday, but I can imagine the situation. In any job (footballer/bartender etc) morale is important. One of the main reasons we went down a couple of seasons ago wasn't because we had a side that wasn't good enough for the league, its just morale and confidence hit rock bottom. A lot of that must be contributed to the management at the time, albeit a lot of the reason we got into the playoffs and had a good cup run last year was the same.

We, as supporters, can play our part in boosting morale and confidence. Its not an obligation, and its nothing to do with being told to, or in this case, being had a go at by not doing it. Its about being a supporter, and by definition really we are all coming to games to see Sutton win, and do their best. If it means us cheering the lads on, and giving them positive support then i'm all for it. That doesn't mean we have to sing for 90 mins every single game - that in my opinion is 'the law of diminishing returns' but I know its very very rare for me to slag our own players off - as a manager myself if I sat here and slagged my team off they'd not want to perform for me - thats nothing to do with football, thats about human nature.

In a nutshell - if you instill into the players belief and positivity then they will perform to their ability and in some cases beyond. Slagging them off in a rare occasion may produce an 'i'll show them attitude' but more often than not will just make a lack of effort on their part. Most of it is down to Dos, Payne, McKimm and the rest of the staff, but there is nothing wrong at all with us giving them a helping hand. I'm sure our staff are smart enough to know when a player is performing like dogsh*t, they'll be shown the door soon enough, regardless of "Favourites"

If you wish to slag players off because they do a few things wrong, go ahead, but before you do, just think about the things they have done right as well before launching into them - everyone is entitled to a bad day at the office!

[markn]

I was there on Tuesday and thought that it was a pretty decent performance overall from a side that looks like it is still getting used to each other. If we could make more of the chances we create and find a better final ball, we would have won easier.

However, there were periods when we hit too many long balls (a tactic which is not the most pleasing on the eye, and also not best suited to a team lacking in height). Some fans were getting a bit frustrated and I heard a few moans. Most of the shouting though was along the lines of "come on, we are better than this" which did at times seem more than fair comment as I believe we will get better than we are currently showing.

Negative comments can affect belief in some cases but surely overcoming a few comments when you are having a bad day is part of becoming a better player. If the good stuff is cheered and the poorer play not commented on at all, how will they learn.

Its balance I suppose and I will continue to cheer each goal loudly and applaud good passes, moves and attempts. I do reserve the right to express a bit of frustration when things arent so good though.