Smart bids to find the right blend at Daventry Town

Smart took over at Communications Park following the recent resignation of Darran Foster.

But the former Watford striker has not enjoyed the slickest of starts, with Town losing the first three matches under his stewardship.

Smart is constantly seeking new players to improve his squad, which contains few men from the previous regime, and he knows exactly what he is looking for.

“We want to try to get a settled side but it is about trying to get the blend of youth and experience in key areas,” he said. “I feel the younger players have really performed well in our first few matches.

“We are looking at other players all the time. I have signed a striker who has a groin strain so he hasn’t yet featured in either of the two matches.

“We are looking at trying to add a couple of players down the spine. Again it will allow younger players to be part of the team if we get experience in those key areas.”

And Smart, who has former Town boss Ady Fuller as his assistant, admits he has been a busy man since being appointed.

“It has been non-stop since my arrival at the club,” said Smart. “Both Ady and I have been out looking at new players and completing new signings almost every day.

“I had 18 players for our first training session. It is an adjustment for the players and myself but I am totally enjoying the challenge of trying to get the team performing well and ultimately trying to get them winning matches.

“I have enjoyed watching the young players adapt their game and try to affect the game positively.

“It is tough to make the step up in level but hopefully the young players’ hunger to succeed will allow this to happen quickly.

“Some of these lads have never had an opportunity to perform at this level before but I feel they are very capable.

“As long as we stay patient and keep encouraging them, they will only get better.”

Smart’s first game in charge came at Chalfont St Peter last Tuesday, but it ended in a 4-1 defeat, and another Southern League Divison One Central loss came on the following Saturday.

Town went down 3-0 at Egham Town, with two goals from the Sarnies’ key striker Reis Stanislaus and one from Dan Read.

Smart’s side produced an improved second-half performance in that encounter and could count themselves unlucky not to score.

And the bad fortune continued on Tuesday night, as Stratford Town knocked Town out of the Red Insure Cup at the second round stage.

Town had the possession to take the game to penalties, but were eventually beaten 2-0.