Dartford joint-managers Adam Flanagan and Jamie Coyle know they must deliver results quickly
06:00, 22 August 2019
updated: 07:29, 22 August 2019
Dartford’s two games over the Bank Holiday weekend could make or break the futures of joint-managers Adam Flanagan and Jamie Coyle.
Second-bottom in National League South, the Darts haven’t won in five attempts and their goal difference is the worst in the division.
Just one win in 13 games either side of the summer break makes for grim reading and Flanagan knows time isn’t on their side.
Dartford are at least unbeaten at Princes Park this season and need a win against Braintree on Saturday ahead of the trip to Hungerford on Monday.
“We’ve got to get results,” said Flanagan. “If we don’t get results in the next two games, I can’t see how tough decisions won’t be reviewed at board level.
“In our defence, injuries have been a massive challenge but we can’t keep saying that.
“The players we’ve got, outside those who are injured, are good enough to get results at this level.
“Prior to the Weymouth game (last Saturday), in the four games this season up to 74 minutes, it’s been 1-1 or 1-0 and they’re very tight games against very good teams. But from 74 minutes on, in two of those, we’ve let six goals in and that is just not Dartford. It’s not acceptable.
“There is always pressure on managers at Dartford and there’s always pressure when you play. There’s a fanbase where some may like you and some may not so whether you’re doing well or you’re not doing well, there’s going to be some people you’re upsetting.
“But generally, we should be doing better so, yes, we definitely feel pressure. We put pressure on ourselves because we want to do well for this football club.
“We were able to achieve that as players and we’re desperate to do that as managers. Hopefully we’ll get the time to do that.
“We’ve got two big games coming up over the Bank Holiday and I think we need two wins. That’s just football.
“The club have got to do what’s best for Dartford and they will. I’m confident of that.
“We’d like to get the opportunity to put it right and we believe in ourselves that we can.
“We go into Saturday optimistic and confident that we’re going to put a strong performance in, which will lead to a win.”
Jordan Wynter begins a three-match ban on Saturday but Darren McQueen (shoulder) could start while Dartford also hope to have Luke Wanadio (hamstring) and Luke Allen available.
“We’re very close to having everyone back but the most important thing is results,” said Flanagan, whose side have drawn both of their home games so far.
Braintree have lost three and won two, including a 5-0 drubbing of Eastbourne on Saturday, while Hungerford are just two points better off than the Darts.
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