Andy Carr says it’s time for some of his Staffordshire players to turn potential into performances.
Head coach Carr was left unhappy with the display in last Sunday’s NCCA Knockout Trophy defeat by Shropshire, which left Staffs’ qualification hopes hanging by the thinnest of threads.
If Staffordshire don’t advance from Group Two, then it will be the third successive season in which they have failed to reach the knockout stages.
And after witnessing another day where Staffordshire failed to hit the required levels, Carr admits patience is running thin,
“It was hugely frustrating. We discussed our plans so many times in the winter and everyone has got clarity of the plans and there’s never been an occasion when people have disagreed with them,” said Carr.
“The disappointing thing is that we can’t execute them. And if we can’t, we have to look at the guys who can’t execute them. That’s how severe it is going to have to be.
“We’re always going to get judged on results and performances. And if we can’t perform, we have to ask if we’ve got the right people to carry them out.
“I support the lads and will continue to do so. But a lot of the players have had a lot of opportunities to put in performances and are taking plenty of time to do so.”
‘Collective effort’
Carr says that the younger players must take some of the burden off the more senior players in the side.
And he believes it’s about focusing on the present, rather than looking into the future.
“We can’t keep relying on the experienced players. The youngsters have to come to the fore,” explained Carr.
“Everyone who represents Staffordshire wants to play. The younger players can’t get too far ahead of themselves.
James Kettleborough feels the pain after Staffordshire’s Trophy slump
“Some of them want to move on to the next level. But they have to focus on the here and now and need a reality check about where they actually are at this moment in time.”
Staffordshire had opened this year’s 50-over competition brightly with victory over Herefordshire.
They were then beaten by Suffolk before slumping to defeat at Shifnal last weekend.
That means they have to beat Norfolk at Sprowston on Sunday and hope Shropshire – who are already through – defeat Suffolk.
Even then, it will take a huge swing in run rate for them to clinch the second qualification spot.
“We have to go to Norfolk with belief we can still qualify,” added Carr. “It’s going to be a tough ask, so whether it’s doable or not…
“We just need to show some character and have lads stepping up to the plate and showing exactly what we’re about.”
‘Team changes’
Staffordshire have made two changes to their line-up for Sunday’s match.
Joe Hawkins comes into the side in place of Reeve Evitts, who has been rested after playing 12 days out of the last 14.
Rory Haydon also returns to the XI following a productive week which saw him help Derbyshire seconds to victory over Leicestershire 2nd XI.
Main image: Staffordshire head coach Andy Carr wants a response from his players in the NCCA Knockout Trophy game at Norfolk. Picture: David Peters