Davies Disappointed With Draw

Interim coach at Hereford, Gareth Davies, felt that his side deserved more than a draw out of the FA Cup game against Truro yesterday afternoon.

"When you walk over that white line you have a job to do and every footballer that puts on a shirt should be playing for themselves, playing for their team-mates, playing for their families and if they put that effort in then the club will get their rewards and the fans as well so it's about that individual doing above and beyond.

"I've been involved for two games. I'm not sure how much longer. People can see me on the side, I'm a passionate person. I kick every ball, I head every ball and, it's an old cliche, I'm black and white no different to everyone sat on the stand or stood in the Meadow End.

"Yes I am disappointed because they deserved something out of that game for the effort they put in."

Kieran Thomas was moved into midfield from his usual right back spot as Billy Murphy was injured.

"We knew that Murphy was carrying an injury and Ryan and I discussed it and spoke to Tim afterwards. 

"We said we need a different type of player in the center of mid-field, Macca and Billy are very similar so we moved Kieran which gave us the opportunity to bring in Tom Harrison from Bristol City.

"Some of the young lads looked nervous in the first ten, fifteen minutes. We were not marking up properly from set-pieces and it has been a weakness, everybody knows that.

"But today after that first fifteen minutes then they started to show character, they were starting to mark people tighter, we were winning second balls.

"Truro are a very direct type team. They have five or six players all over six foot. It's hard to play against but the individuals today showed true passion and desire and spirit to want to be the best they could.

"If you do that as your foundation from where you can build from, the talent will come and they'll enjoy their football even more. In every game you've got to work harder than the player up against you. And one you've done that maybe you need to do half a job somewhere else."

Not enough creation in the final third?

"I would have to agree with that. It's probably won't be my job to build on.

"My job has been to come in and work with Ryan. Maybe to go back to basics a little bit. The first thing was to get the boys playing football to get a smile on their faces again, work hard and enjoy playing for this great club.

"Tim said that to them before today's game. Myself Ryan and Tim are all singing off the same hymn sheet.

"This is one amazing environment to play at because it's got such great history, not just today with the FA Cup, it's got some unbelievable history. They know how much the club means to me and Ryan.

"You can go down in history and be recognised as a top, top player, a person who has given their all, 100%, every single game because one thing I know as a fan who was lucky enough to be a player here, if you run through a brick wall with that shirt on everybody who fills this ground will always back you." 

Marlon Jackson started for Hereford yesterday afternoon after clearance for his move finally came late yesterday.

"We got it and we kept it quiet because we didn't want to give them any bit of knowledge so as soon as it came in we said it's not going out to the press.

"He just needs games, Marlon would say that himself. He hasn't played for a while so he needs that match fitness, that match sharpness.

"We know what a talent he is, he can hit the back of the net. He's technically good.

"Just back the players and, whoever comes in, this team will now go from strength to strength."

Is there still a need to bring players in?

"That won't be my decision."

Moving on to the position of head coach.

"There have been a large number of applications, I've not got involved. I am here for football reasons only. If someone asks my opinion I'll give it but I think these players are on trial because the next new manager or head coach I'll guarantee you will have been in the stands today.

"These players are good enough to stay here and they've shown that today. They've put their head in where it hurts, they've put their foot in where it hurts and they've played as well as they could on the day.

"As regards the final third we need to take a little more care. First half when we got beyond them we need to shift the ball a little bit quicker, get it into wide areas and get balls in the box, what I call  the second six yard box between the goalkeeper and centre-backs. It's a vunerable place to defend. I know that from my career.

"If we improve that I think in the next few weeks the fans will see big improvements."

It's Torquay for the replay on Wednesday.

"I'm just glad my mum and dad didn't throw away my bucket and spade. I've got a great story from one of my visits to Torquay involving Mr Fashanu and somebody. It's was a funny, funny time.

"We went there years ago, the ground is steeped in hstory. It's not Truro's ground so it's a bit alien to them. 

"The boys have been told let us know how they are feeling.

"If you're tired don't tell us that, we know your tired. But if they are carrying any little knocks, concerns or worries, manage it now over the next two or three days so when we get to that ground on Wednesday we are at the races because we know we've got it in us to get to that next round."

Finally will Davies and Green be in charge at Torquay?

"We don't know but I'm happy to help as long as I can because of my love of the place but I think people can see it means the world to me. Today, in particular.

"Last week I wish I'd seen what I've seen today and we would have won last week comfortably. Had we defended two crosses we would have won the game.

"I don't believe in luck, you make your own luck by working hard. If we work a little bit harded on Wednesday the players will get their rewards."