Devonshire confronts furious fans as Maidenhead United's form hits new low

Maidenhead United boss Alan Devonshire confronted angry supporters after the Magpies crashed out of the FA Trophy on Saturday afternoon following a woeful 2-0 loss to Leamington of the National League North.

Leamington sit rock bottom of their division and - like the Magpies had been badly struggling for form coming into Saturday’s second round clash. Yet, they were able to overcome the visitors with relative ease thanks to goals from Ewan Williams in the first half and Tim Berridge in the second.

For many of the Magpies fans who travelled to Warwickshire for the tie - the first time the two clubs had met in their history - this performance was the straw which broke the camel’s back and there were angry, ugly scenes after the final whistle as Devonshire and Sam Barratt tried to appease them.

Afterwards, Devonshire said he knows performances haven’t been good enough of late, but called for fans to show the players - if not him - some patience as they look to haul themselves out of the rut, they find themselves in. It’s now seven matches since the Magpies last tasted victory over Worthing on October 4, and they’ve lost six of those seven matches.

 Devonshire will hope this is the season’s nadir, and there’s an uptick in form from here, however, it feels like he and the players have work to do if they’re to get the fans back onside. Maidenhead have shown their qualities and capabilities this season, going on a six game winning streak to lift themselves into the play-off positions earlier in the season.

Speaking to Maidenhead media officer Shay Bottomley after Saturday’s match, Devonshire said: “It was hard. We’re struggling at the moment big time.

“Confidence feels shot at the moment.

“This is a low. It’s not good enough. We know that. All we can do is get back to training and work hard to try and turn this around as quick as possible. But listen, it’s not great at the moment.

“Listen, I don’t look at that (Leamington being bottom of the National League North).

“Liverpool lost five on the bounce and people will moan about it. All I can say is that we are working hard and they are working hard. I’m really disappointed in some of the abuse that’s been given to players. Listen, if they want to dig me out, I’ve had it, they can dig me out, not a problem. But at the end of the day, these players need these supporters behind us. I know they’ll say it’s not good enough and all that. It isn’t good enough, we know that, but we need them to keep on side.”

Maidenhead faces a tricky league clash at Dagenham & Redbridge next Saturday, one of the sides relegated with them from the National League last season. Like Maidenhead, the Daggers have struggled for consistency and form of late, and they sit two places behind Devonshire’s side in 16th,

 Devonshire said he understands fans’ frustrations but called for their support at Victoria Road as the side looks to rediscover their form from earlier in the season. 

“We’ve got Dagenham next week,” said Devonshire.

“We know we’ve got to have a really good week’s training and get after them next week. We had six wins on the bounce and then we’ve slumped, we’ve slumped.

“There are a few injuries and a few other things going on which we can’t discuss with you about players not being available today, but listen, when we get our players back, we’ll get stronger, but at the minute we have to get by. It’s what it’s about. That isn’t good enough. We know that. We know that. But at the end of the day, we’ll get back and we’ll get working hard again.”

While understanding of the fans’ disappointment, Devonshire also appeared shocked at just how angry supporters were at Leamington. He said he’d never seen them act in that way during his two spells as manager.

“The mood in camp is very very low,” he said.

“I’ve never seen the fans like that, in all the years I’ve been here I’ve never seen the fans like that, and it doesn’t help. I understand their frustration, but I go in the bar every game and people can talk to me, but that’s not acceptable really. They are young boys and all that is going to do is crucify them.

“We need to change the system. I think we need to now do that. We were looking to do it today, but due to certain things, we couldn’t do what we wanted to. But as soon as they’re back, we’ll be changing it and seeing what happens.

“Just try and be patient. I know it’s difficult. I love this place; I love the club. I’ve been here a very very long time. I felt for them today as much as I felt for the players, but it doesn’t help. But we need them to give all their energy towards giving a performance on the pitch. Because some of those young boys, their heads are going to be even lower today. I do understand, and I will do everything in my power to try and turn this around.”