Cameron's call to get back to basics

10:58am Friday 21st November 2008

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Park Avenue boss Dave Cameron has issued an ultimatum to his players and staff to work harder and be more ruthless.

Cameron urged them to toughen up their mentality following the 5-0 capitulation at Kendal Town earlier this month.

Assistant manager Carl Ruffer had just departed to be replaced by Mike Marsh, there was unrest in the squad and a glut of injuries.

Cameron decided there and then that he had to pull everyone together to remedy the situation.

The four points picked up since then have re-established the Bradford club as promotion contenders in the UniBond Premier Division.

Cameron said: “Last week was pleasing. We had a draw and a win and after Kendal that is a massive improvement but there is more to come from us.

“The results were down to sheer effort, proper application and attitude and that’s the way it should be.

“There is a new directive at the club, a new way ahead – graft your proverbials off and earn your wages.

“From now on we will be giving the supporters value for money and the board for that matter.

“There is a time to play football, a time for all-out attack and sweeping passing moves but that is after the points are in the bag.

“I love to see us tearing teams apart, and we have the ability to do that, but let’s get the basics right first.”

Cameron is set to welcome midfielder Steve Connors back following an ankle injury, a player who was crucial to Avenue’s title success last season.

However, after signing Tom Claisse and Steve Bushall there is genuine competition for places in the central midfield department now.

Cameron said: “Fingers crossed Steve will be as good as new when he comes back. Tom has real class and ‘Bushy’ is superb. He may be 35 but he has been getting better game by game since he joined us.

“He is a very effective team player. Sometimes it looks like he isn’t getting on the ball a lot but I see what work he gets through and the lads in the team are getting the benefit. They want him in there.”

Cameron is also pleased to welcome back midfielder Reuben Wiggins-Thomas to the fold, saying: “He is a nice lad and good player with pace to burn.

“He wanted to come back and accepted the terms we offered him without a second thought. He hasn’t come here for the money. He could have got more elsewhere but he has the right attitude and has come purely for footballing reasons.”