Frew ponders playing return after Romford loss
Barkingside manager Matt Frew (pic: Gavin Ellis/TGSPHOTO) - Credit: Gavin Ellis/TGSPHOTO
Barkingside boss feels his experience could help club remain in Ryman North
Barkingside boss Matt Frew (right) during his playing days (pic: Gavin Ellis/TGSPHOTO) - Credit: Gavin Ellis/TGSPHOTO
Barkingside manager Matt Frew says he is considering coming out of retirment in a bid to help the Sky Blues avoid relegation from the Ryman North Division.
Side fell five points clear of safety after losing 5-1 away to fellow battlers Romford in midweek action.
The Cricklefields club have just eight games remaining this season and Frew believes his return may help the club stay in the league for next season.
“I’ve thought about putting my own boots on again. I haven’t played for two years and I’m 33 but I feel they need a leader out there, an old head that can organise and talk,” said the former defender.
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“I probably haven’t got the legs I used to have but I can definitely still play football. I’ve not lost that kind of ability. There are a lot of call for it.
“I’m going to have a serious think about it. Do I do that and see how we go or do I stick with what we’ve got? At the moment that’s not working.”
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Barkingside had taken the lead in the 15th minute after Calvin Poku outmuscled the Boro defence to latch onto a long ball and score.
Romford drew level 20 minutes later but the real sucker punch came just 90 seconds into the second half when they took the lead for the first time.
After that the Ship Lane side began to control the game and Frew was disappointed with his side’s performance after the break.
“I thought we started very well and the boys looked good. I thought there was some belief. There’s not enough heart and hunger in the team,” added the Side boss.
“It’s hard for me at the moment. I’m banging my heading against a wall. I really thought we were in with a shout, especially after the first half.
“My lot have come out in the second half a totally different team and given the game to Romford.”
The loss means Barkingside have now lost their last eight matches which has left them five points adrift of safety and Frew admits the Romford loss was particularly gutting.
“It’s a hard one to take. I kept the boys in the changing rooms for a long time. I told them some home truths.
“Again, the story of our season, they scored from a set piece. All the goals they scored were errors. We’re not dealing with them. That’s why we are where we are.
“I thought that would be the game to kick start ouur season. All we can do is keep going but it isn’t looking great at the minute.”
