New joint Retford United boss David Lloyd spells out size of the job in hand

JOINT Retford United manager David Lloyd believes himself and fellow boss Jon Knapper have the toughest job in the new Evo-Stick Premier League.

Lloyd and Knapper were hoping to oversee a Badgers side in their first pre-season outing tonight at Calverton Miners Welfare.

But as the club's financial problems continue, the game has been postponed leading to more frustration for the new management duo.

Under FA rules, the club cannot take part in pre-season fixtures until outstanding debts to last season's squad can be cleared.

"It is disappointing to have to postpone the game," said Lloyd (pictured).

"You really need to play matches in pre-season and the lateness of myself and Jon's appointment makes it even more important to get things sorted out.

"We have had good numbers at our training sessions and quite a few of them are interested in signing for us. But because of the embargo, we are unable to sign any of the players.

"Obviously, people want to get the best deals they can for themselves, which is understandable. You can see the signs that one or two players are becoming frustrated with the delay and these are players who could do a good job for us at this level and we obviously don't want to lose them.

"I think we have the toughest management job in the whole of this league, probably one of the hardest jobs in football this season.

The postponement of the pre-season opener tonight will mean the players will be put through their paces on the training ground once again.

With the first game of the season scheduled for August 21 at home against Northwich Victoria, the Retford United management will be hoping the financial problems can be ironed out in time for a worthwhile pre-season campaign.

"I don't think we totally understood how difficult things were going to be when we were first appointed," added Lloyd.

"There is a time-scale coming into it now. Most teams out there have had a two-month start on us. We are getting closer and closer to the start of the season and we have to get started.

"On a positive note, I have been encouraged by the attitude of the players down at training. The young lads have shown a great appetite for the work and are keen to do what we are asking of them."