Anthony Murt can start Burscough FC’s revival

Oct 2 2008 by Philip Kirkbride, Ormskirk Advertiser

BURSCOUGH boss Joey Dunn has held clear-the-air talks with his beleaguered players in a bid to revive their season.

The Linnets’ latest setback arrived on Saturday when they were dumped out of the FA Cup, 1-0, by lower league Buxton.

Since then, frank discussions have taken place between the management and the squad as Burscough look to overturn a poor run of results.

Having lost seven out of the last eight matches in all competitions, Dunn is once again on the hunt for new players in a bid to add firepower to the Linnets’ attack.

Thus, former Skelmersdale United striker Anthony Murt is expected to sign from UniBond Premier Division side Kendal Town, along with up to four others, in time for Saturday’s trip to Hinckley United.

Dunn said: “We had a good heart-to-heart at training on Tuesday and I opened to floor to the players because it is interesting to hear their viewpoint on things. I said to them that once they go over the white line on a Saturday then my job is done and I will only find out if I have been effective at five to five.

“The discussion with the lads was quite frank and they were saying that we are making it too easy for teams and that we need to have a more consistent approach to defending. We tend to play well for long spells then go to sleep and get punished by conceding one or two goals. I also reminded one or two people that at the start of the season we said we would set ourselves up to be hard to beat.

“But that was missing on Saturday, it was glaring, and I feel really bad for the spectators - we were inept and I apologise to them.

“We have put seven days notice on Anthony Murt at Kendal. He impressed me in a friendly at Colwyn Bay last year so I kept an eye on him. He is not enjoying it a Kendal and still lives in Burscough.

“Of the five players I am trying to bring in at the moment, I am confident three will come off and with a bit of smooth talking, we will get all five.”

Burscough are on the road once again this weekend when they return to Blue Square North action at Hinckley United.

Dunn is relishing the prospect of travelling to the Marston's Stadium.

He added: “Hinckley might just be the best place to go because one of the views the lads have is that when we go to sides where we know we need to perform well, the team puts in a good shift. I am looking for a response on Saturday, I think we owe it to ourselves.”

Brian Moogan is the only doubt as he struggles with his knee injury.