Hednesford boss Phil Starbuck has lifted the lid on his decision to strip the captaincy from Dave Macpherson and transfer-list the midfielder after a turbulent week at Keys Park.
Starbuck, whose side host higher league Alfreton in the FA Cup tomorrow, responded to his side’s fifth league defeat in a row by slapping Macpherson on the list after the former Leek man defied instructions not to drink any more following Saturday’s 2-0 defeat against North Ferriby.
He also released summer signings Peter Knox and Rob Hawthorne and homegrown Keenan Meakin-Richards and signed pacy Shifnal striker Linden Dovey, Kidsgrove midfielder Ashley Woolliscroft and on-loan Burton midfielder Sam Hall before Monday’s welcome 2-0 win over Ilkeston.
But it was the indiscipline shown by Macpherson Starbuck was most incensed about.
“It’s about professionalism, attitude and respect - we were playing 48 hours later and I asked him not to have another pint,” said Starbuck.
“But he proceeded to go back to the bar and get another beer in full view of myself, the other players, the managing director Terry Brumpton and his wife.
“It was a challenge to my authority. I want to work with him and he’s in the squad for tomorrow’s game, but he’s hurting and he’s got to deal with that - the ball’s in his court.”
Starbuck believes uncompromising Alfreton - managed by the man he pipped to the Pitmen job, former Bradford, Stafford and Stourbridge boss Nicky Law - will be an intriguing test.
“They like to get the ball forward quickly, but they’re having a tough time at the moment, and they need time to gel,” he said.
Tom Ward and Tom Marshall (sore calves), Ross Dyer (medial knee ligaments) and Ross Adams (ankle) missed training last night but all but Dyer should be fit.
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