Worksop Town boss has pride in players

Craig Parry has praised the attitude of his players.

The Tigers played several friendlies ahead of a proposed return to action on Boxing Day, however, these fixtures were subsequently suspended before the season was put under threat of expunction after the country was put back into lockdown.

Parry heaped the praise on his side for their commitment over the past few months.

“Before Christmas, with how we were shaping up when we had the friendly games, as a group of lads they have been the best that I have worked with,” said Parry.

“To get everyone there, turning up in the middle of a pandemic, not getting paid, working hard and keeping themselves in shape – the players came back with less weight on them than actually going into the period – I must put on record how proud I was in that situation and we were raring to go.

“The players just need to hold onto that light at the end of the tunnel. They are all young men, so they all have a lot of exciting times moving forward and good things for them to look forward to.

“They just have to hang in there and try to keep positive and ensure their families are safe and well. They must take all the disappointments if this season and the frustrations that they might have now and implement it into, hopefully, next season.”

Supporters of non-league football have suffered the most over this challenging period, often being limited to as and when they have been able to support their side due to the tier system and lockdown.

Parry sympathised with supporters, stating that is it a priority that they are there for the return of football.

“The fans have to be in, it’s a priority, I don’t think anyone can start without them there,” he added. “I feel sorry for them. I have seen how passionate they are and the amazing support they have given us.

“I won’t forget the Chester game, coming off the pitch against a Conference North club and the standing ovation they gave the players, it gave me goosebumps on the back of the neck.

“I am hoping they hang in there and stick by it so that we can bring some good times to them next year.”