Lutterworth boss Josh wants to keep his players motivated

The snowy scene at Lutterworth Town's Dunley Way home after the wintry weather struck the area at the weekend. Picture courtesy of Lutterworth Town FC

Lutterworth Town boss Josh Dixon fears the motivation in his squad might be waning with the United Counties League season in a state of flux.

The Swifts haven’t kicked a ball in anger since their 4-1 defeat at Quorn on December 19 and fears are now growing that a second season in a row could be declared null and void due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Clubs from Steps 3 to 6 in have been giving their views to the Football Association in the form of a survey but, with time firmly against everyone and there currently being no real signs of a return to action, another season being voided is beginning to look like a grim reality.

And Dixon, who had led his team to third place in the UCL Premier Division when things were halted, admitted he has called on his senior players to rally the troops and ensure the players stay motivated for the moment they can come back - whenever that may be.

“It’s really tough,” the Swifts boss said.

“It’s a real shame but I think within the squad a lot of motivation has gone.

“The lads are finding it hard to just keep themselves ticking over, especially after Christmas and January always being tough in normal circumstances.

“It’s not good and it’s not easy but I am sure that’s the same for everyone.

“I spoke to a few of the senior lads at the weekend and just asked them to keep trying to motivate others and keep telling them that it will come around again fast.

“It did last summer when we started playing again. We just need the boys to keep going and hopefully football will be back sooner rather than later.”

Clubs at this level really don’t need to be kicked when they’re down but Lutterworth were hit when a burst pipe flooded the changing rooms at Dunley Way last week.

However, a number of volunteers were on hand to help with the clean up while Dixon confirmed some of the club’s sponsors are also riding to the rescue.

“We had a pipe that came loose and the tank is in the roof space so it went everywhere,” he added.

“It went into both changing rooms and they are only a year old, everything is pretty much brand new. Both ceilings came down and the inside walls were ruined so it’s been tough.

“Thankfully, a couple of sponsors have offered to give us the materials and do the plastering for free as well so we are really grateful to them.”