Busby had trust in his new babes

BACK in our October 4, 2011 edition rookie boss Jonathan Busby had thrown down the gauntlet to Bangor Rangers challenging them to prove they were more than just 1B also-rans.

Busby had only taken over the reigns of the Clandeboye Road club four weeks earlier, but he had seen enough already to convince him his new charges were far better than their current league standing suggested.

Rangers were languishing in 11th place in the table, just two points above the drop zone following their 2-1 weekend defeat at the hands of Sirocco.

However, Busby felt it was the ballsy nature of that defeat to the league leaders which had confirmed his belief that his side should be aiming high rather than glancing over their shoulders.

“This is a challenge for me but it’s one I’ve wanted to take on for quite a few years now,” enthused Busby.

“But it’s one I’m now looking forward to. We are a good, close-knit wee club and it’s good for us to play at an Irish League ground. We need that for our Intermediate status and it’s a good place for our players to play their football.”

Busby then added: “I think what the club want from me is stability and from my own point of view, having been in charge for a few weeks, I know what these players can do.

“I’d be hoping for at least a top-six, top-seven finish.

“We played Tommy Kincaid’s Sirocco on Saturday and it’s been well publicised the players they have and they are one of the title favourites but I came away from the game really disappointed we didn’t take something from it. If they are the title favourites, then if we can maintain that level of performance, especially how we played in the second half, for the rest of our games, then we should do really well.”

On taking up the job Busby (inset) had pledged to wipe the slate clean, and had challenged the players to prove to him that they were worth a first team place.

“When I first took over, there were a few injuries and we’ve just been trying to get players fit,” he said.

“I think for a few years the team hadn’t really changed, players who were playing for the Seconds never really got an opportunity and I’m just trying to create a bit more competition between the two teams.

“I don’t really see them as two different squads at the end of the day. I’d like players to prove to me they can make the step up and nobody is guaranteed to play now.

“They have to be committed and if the boys know they don’t perform to the level I want, they’ll have trouble staying in the team.”