Leese: 'We will turn it around'

Oct 25 2012 By Greg Burns

Andy Leese

ANDY Leese admits he is in the middle of the toughest spell in his five years in charge at Chesham United.

The Generals are without a win in five Evo-Stik Premier Division matches and have already crashed out of the FA Cup and the league cup at the first hurdle.

It is a run that is threatening to end their promotion hopes before the season is even a third of the way through, but Leese insists he believes his current squad have the quality and desire to turn things around.

He said: “It is definitely the most difficult spell in my time at Chesham and it is not pleasant. We are working really hard to try and turn it around but we are conceding sloppy goals and, when we concede, we can see the confidence draining from the players.

“We have never had a spell like this at this club before. But I have total faith in these players and trust them to turn it around. They are hurting too and are desperate to turn things around.”

The Generals camp will have had 11 days to dwell on their league cup loss at Beaconsfield when they return to action at home to Taunton Town in the FA Trophy second qualifying round on Saturday.

A home tie against the Division One South & West strugglers would be the perfect tie for Chesham to progress but now looks like a potential banana-skin.

Leese said: “Being out of all the cup competitions always meant this Trophy game would be important. But with the run we are on, it is now even more significant and important.”

Chesham will continue to be without influential midfielder Steve Wales after he underwent groin surgery and will be sidelined for up to six weeks.

Defender Rob Bartley has also left The Meadow this week after signing for Ryman Premier Division side Carshalton Athletic.

“He (Bartley) is now living in south London and feels a move to a club in that area will be beneficial,” added Leese.

“We are disappointed to lose Bobby, but understand his reasons for the move. He has served us well over the last two seasons, and I hope his game continues to develop.”