Cotterill identifies ‘confidence issue’ at FGR

STEVE Cotterill admits there is a “confidence issue” in the ranks at Forest Green Rovers – although given they are now four points adrift of safety with just six League Two matches left to play there is little time to alter the dynamic, writes Alfie Ryan.

The Green Devils were thumped 3-0 by leaders Stockport on Good Friday and today visit sixth-placed Crewe Alexandra. Their three games after that are against the teams in fourth, second and third.

Cotterill, right, said of his players: “I definitely think with a few of them we have got to the point where I have now seen there is a confidence issue. The confidence issue makes it look like they are not trying, or they are not getting involved in the game, and that is very difficult.

“I have spoken to them (about) my own experiences of playing a game when you are not confident. I just opened up to them on what I used to do and hopefully they can do that.

“It would be easy to shout at them, but that isn’t what they need at the moment, they need supporting through this, it has not just been recent, it has been for a long time.

“It is very difficult for them, they are only young men, and don’t get me wrong, there are times where I want more from them and I expect more. I sat down and spoke to them quietly (after the Stockport game), I think and I hope will have more of an impact than if I would’ve had a go at them.”

Forest Green will hope for a favour from West rivals Swindon today, with the Wiltshire outfit playing at second-bottom Sutton.

The Surrey side have won three games on the bounce to move to within one point of Colchester, who are in the final safe spot.

Swindon eased their own concerns with a 2-1 win over Notts County on Good Friday and could be all but mathematically safe from the drop with three points this afternoon.