Previous manager Ian Bowling once spoke of a disease in the Tigers dressing room, but Rinkcavage says the bond between his players could not be stronger.

Just 24 hours before the Sheffield Senior Cup final at Sheffield Wednesday's ground (7pm) he told the Guardian: "We've stopped the rot, we said we wanted to do that at the start of the season and not even a loss in the cup final will change my mind about this season being a good one for us."

For full coverage of tomorrow night's (Thursday) cup final, check the Worksop Guardian website

"Previously, people have spoken about a poison in the dressing room, but have got rid of all that. Our dressing room is united and we have a great team spirit in the camp."

Club chairman John Hepworth agrees with his manager that this season was a solid foundation to build on.

He said: "Considering where we came from at the beginning of the season, I'm delighted with how things have gone."


"All our targets have more than been met. I said to Pete in his interview that we wanted to avoid a relegation battle, push for the top half of the table and anything else was a bonus."

"Obviously we've got that top-half finish and Pete has initiated the Under 19s, a year earlier than I expected, and they've won a title."

"Nomatter what happens in the cup final I'm more than happy with what has happened this season, we have some super foundations and a nucleus in place for next season."

Any players joining the Rinkcavage regime at Sandy Lane this summer will have to meet certain requirements, on and off the field.

The manager said: "We want players of similar character to the ones we already have. We want players who will fit in and join in with the work ethic."

"It's important to get the right character in new players and I only want winners and hard workers around me. I've got that at the minute and anyone coming in will have to be like that."

Whilst the club's future in Worksop is uncertain after last week's lockout mystery, Rinkcavage has been keen to keep disruption to a minimum for his players.

"The players are aware of the situation at the club, we're going to keep them informed, but it won't have had an effect on them mentally, we're the footballing side of the club and we've got to get on with the football," he said.

Ahead of last night's cup final at Hillsborough, Rinkcavage was able to choose from an almost fully fit squad, but expressed sympathy for young goalkeeper Steve Hernandez who was suspended after being sent off in unfortunate circumstances in the penultimate league game of the season at home to Guiseley.

Rinkcavage said: "It's a big shame that he misses the final, it was a very harsh decision and he shouldn't have been in this situation but in football these things happen unfortunately."

Understudy Dave Ratcliffe was set to step in and fill the gap between the posts and whilst Rinkcavage admitted Tigers would miss the shot-stopping capabilities of Hernandez, he had faith in Ratcliffe.

"He's a big lad, he's been at the club for a while, he's been here about four years, he knows everyone and he trains regularly with us. Obviously you miss quality players and we will miss Steve, but Dave's coming in and he'll do the job."

Midfielder Adam Fretwell was cup tied for the final and utility defender Terry Henshaw is in plaster, recovering from an operation on his achillies tendon, but otherwise things were looking good for Rinkcavage's side as they prepared for the big game.

The boss added: "We've trained three times in six days, we've worked on a few set pieces and it's just been a case of continuing the work we had been doing before. Things are looking good."

EMAIL your thoughts on the situation at Sandy Lane, including last week's lockout, to sport@worksop-guardian.co.uk