Billericay Town boss warns players 'shape up or be shipped out'

By dward

SOME of the more experienced Billericay Town players have been told to "shape up or face with being shipped out" revealed joint Town manager Jason Broom yesterday (Tuesday).

Broom (pictured above right) also told them to stop whingeing and show individually more commitment to the club's cause on the field or face being released altogether.

The blast came after the side's 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Ryman League Premier Division neighbours Canvey Island on bank holiday Monday.

Broom issued the warning to players in the dressing room after Monday's defeat where he was more annoyed in the way they lost.

"It was unacceptable," he declared. "We lost the plot, we lost our shape, we couldn't pass the ball, we had no creativity and we were far too quiet when we needed the experienced players to show a lead and make things happen."

Broom was without six of what he regards as regular first team players over the weekend due to injury – Steve Heffer, Tim Cole, Bradley Woods-Garness, Jamie Dormer, Matt Game, Solomon Henry – plus Dave Wareham who was unavailable.

"That's no excuse because we still had enough experienced in the side to help and lead the youngsters brought on to get something out of the game," Broom said. "But I was disappointed in their responses and have told them so and they're now playing for their positions at the club.

"They have to now prove themselves or when the others are back from injury they'll be on their way. I know I'm asking some players to play out of position because of the injuries but I still expect everyone, particularly the more experienced players, to have given and shown more than they did on Monday."

Town have picked up six points from their first four games and sit comfortably in mid table so Broom concedes he's reasonably happy with the side's start to the season in view of the injuries.

"We'll be working hard this week in training to put matters right and I will want to see some positive reaction from those players and for them to set the right example when we take on Carshalton Athletic at home this Saturday," Broom continued.

"I'm hoping that Heffer and Cole may be back but like some of the others we'll have to wait and see."

Certainly Woods-Garness and Dormer will be out for a few weeks but at least Broom will have Wareham back for Saturday and next Tuesday's league match at Hendon.

On Saturday's 3-2 home victory over Wealdstone, where Paul Shave scored a late winner and goalkeeper Ronnie Worster was sent off after a fracas with the visitors' Dean Papall, Broom felt they were perhaps lucky to pick up all three points.

He said: "It was a game that looked like being a draw but young Shave popped up with a late winner so it was pleasing to get all three points if a little unexpectedly."

"I think the Worster sending off was a little harsh because the other player had fouled him and then punched him while Ronnie just had the ball in his hands and simply pushed the player away who naturally fell to the ground like a stone."

But it will still mean a two-match ban for the Blues goalkeeper from next week.