Dulwich Hamlet manager Rose ready to make changes after unacceptable performance

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Gavin Rose is set to make changes for tomorrow’s home game against Wealdstone – with last weekend’s 2-0 defeat to Hampton & Richmond snapping his patience.

The National League South new boys could have centre-back Magnus Okuonghae back from injury.

Hamlet manager Rose said: “I have to make changes because the personnel on Saturday did nothing to suggest they could make a difference, so why would that be different this weekend?

“It is natural I make changes because of the manner of how we lost.

“In the seven games previously we have always looked like we can score goals and win, even if we have not had a positive result. 

“But on Saturday, barring the first 20 minutes, we were out of our depth – second-best to the ball and we took too long in our build-up play. There was no real purpose to our play.

“It was nowhere near the level expected in the Conference South and for our club. It is not the standard we want to set for ourselves.

“Even if a player is not having a great game they need to work 100 per cent, we can’t accept anything less than that. It is where you have an opportunity to show your character.

“That is when it is quite worrying, not players having a bad day at the office but players not working hard or giving up because things are not going our way.”

Rose wants to hand a contract to Abdul Aziz Deen-Conteh. The left-sided defender or midfielder, who had been on Millwall and Chelsea’s books as a youngster, was on the bench on Saturday.

“I’ve got a few lads who have been training with us but I’ve not been able to offer them a financial deal until we clear the decks a little bit,” said the Dulwich chief. “What we are weighing up is who has got to go and how – loan or permanent.

“We’re going to be looking at that in the next week or two.

“Abdul is happy to help out in the short term, which is great. It is similar to Dominic Vose (pictured above), who has now signed non-contract with us and is getting paid.

“Unfortunately for Abdul he broke down in pre-season with an injury while training with Eastleigh and hadn’t been signed. He is someone we have known for a long time growing up in the area.

“If we keep him it will be a bonus for us.”

Michael Chambers returned from injury in the closing stages against Hampton.

“We wanted him to get some minutes and he came through that well,” said Rose. “So we could have him and Magnus fit and ready to go. Nathan Green looks ready to start.” 

IMAGE BY KEITH GILLARD