Chester City FC: Blues boss Jim Harvey challenges players to sort out mistakes before visit of AFC Wimbledon

Oct 29 2009 by Alec Doyle, Chester Chronicle

JIM Harvey has told his Chester players they face a true test of their pride this Saturday as they go in search of an instant cure for their FA Cup hangover.

Blues boss Harvey complained of a lack of “desire and determination” from his team following Tuesday’s dismal 4-0 home loss to Barrow in the fourth qualifying round of the world’s most famous cup competition.

But Harvey knows a home victory over AFC Wimbledon in the league this Saturday would go some way to making amends, giving the club’s beleaguered fans something to shout about following another miserable week.

He said: “Wimbledon will be another tough game but they are all very tough at this level.

“All we can do is look to the next game and try and improve on the mistakes we made against Barrow.

“I’ve been through bad times as a footballer, and when the next match comes round, it’s a test of character.

“This will determine whether people are going to make it or not as footballers.

“You have to overcome the disappointments you receive because there are plenty of them.”

The threat of expulsion from the Blue Square Premier still hangs over the Blues as their financial problems rumble on, but Harvey is refusing to blame Tuesday’s result on off-the-field unrest.

“I’m not interested in that,” said the Irishman. “I’ve got to get them out and prepare them for a football match. That’s all I’m focusing on.”

Harvey, who is four games into his City reign, was alarmed by the manner of his team’s sudden capitulation against Barrow.

“It shows how a goal can change a game,” he said.

“The sides were even until we conceded the first and, while their second looked like a penalty to me, the damage was already done. It was game over.”

On Saturday, Harvey’s already thin squad could be shorn of Anthony Barry and Michael Lea, who by half-time on Tuesday had both been replaced due to injury.

But City will have Nick Chadwick and Glenn Rule available following suspension.

The manager’s main task when the players return to training today is to pick them up so they can give their best on Saturday.

“The last result was a kick in the stomach for everybody,” said Harvey.

“It’ll hurt, there’s no doubt about that, but as the days go on it won’t be so bad and we have to get back on the training field and just get on with what we’re doing.”