Claridge seeks realism

Last updated : 22 June 2005 By Charlie Roper
Steve Claridge
Claridge: Realistic
Less than 24 hours after taking charge, new boss Steve Claridge has ruled out talk of promotion next season and has asked fans to be realistic about the team's chances.

The former Portsmouth and Weymouth boss recognises the financial restraints that the club has imposed in order to steady the ship and sees his first season in charge as one of rebuilding. However, Claridge did promise that there would be no lack of commitment in trying to achieve the best possible finish for the club.

The 39-year-old, who is also to register as a player later this week, will have little in the way of the transfer kitty but after talks that lasted over six hours, he was well aware of the situation before accepting the position.

"People want to see the good old-fashioned honesty and hard work that I've got," he told the Evening Standard. "I think it's certainly an advantage to have played here. It's a unique club in many ways and I know its strengths and weaknesses.

"But what determines how I am treated is the results. All I can ask is for people to understand the situation I am in. They have got to bring reality to the situation.

"I am under no illusions about the financial side. That's been made very clear to me, and I think it's important that everyone else realises it as well. It's going to be tough job and there's got to be some tough decisions made.

"I don't envisage pulling up any trees at this stage but if we apply ourselves and everybody works hard we should be fine."