Hessenthaler: I want more desire from my players

A NEW goalscorer to replace Jimmy Dryden has been on most Dover Athletic fans’ wishlists this summer, writes Andrew Stucken.

They may not have to wait much longer, as Whites boss Andy Hessenthaler told www.doverathletic.com he is still in talks with "two or three" strikers.

Hessenthaler has however ruled out bringing in anyone before Saturday's trip to Boreham Wood.

The delay is bound up with the end of the Football League transfer window on Monday, as players wait on offers from clubs higher up the pyramid. Which rather implies the players concerned are from the professional ranks.

Hessenthaler explained: "I've been talking to a couple of strikers over the last week or so but can't give any names at present in case it alerts another club. We are working on it and we are talking to people.

"Maybe Tuesday night, maybe the following Saturday. There are positive movements - we've got a couple of options and hopefully one will come off. If they don't, we'll have to move onto somebody else.

"Hopefully the players in question will make their minds up and decide to come with us. We'll wait and see."

Whoever signs will put pressure on existing players who struggled over both Bank Holiday weekend games.

Hessenthaler said: "It wasn't because of tactics or players not knowing what they're doing – it was players not wearing their hearts on their sleeves.

"I can't give them passion and desire – they have to do that for themselves. And in the two games I don't think we've had enough passion and drive - if we get that back, then we might perform a bit better.

"And there's certain players lacking a bit of confidence – why that is, I don't know. I've got a gripe with players not showing enough desire. I lived off the back of desire – that's how I made a career. Let's hope we show a bit more desire on Saturday."

Boreham Wood lie just below Whites in the Ryman Premier table in sixth, unbeaten on eight points from four games.

Hessenthaler went on: "With three wins out of four, people might be saying 'What's he moaning about?' But I don't feel we've really got going just yet. I think once we do get going, we'll be fine.

"Going to Boreham Wood is not going to be easy but we had a win on Monday and we want to go back on quite a long unbeaten run if we can."

Saturday kicks off a crucial week for Hess’ side as they face the early pacesetters.

Tuesday evening promises an intriguing clash with Horsham at Crabble. The Sussex outfit have won all four games to date and lie second behind Ashford Town (Middx) – who visit Crabble the following Saturday.

Article courtesy of www.doverathletic.com

Boreham Wood v Dover Athletic
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 30^th August 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Meadow Park, Broughinge Road, Boreham Wood, Hertfordshire WD6 5AL