New boss Kieran McKenna says he was impressed by his new players’ commitment, aggression and mentality during his first look at them during Saturday’s 1-1 home draw with Sunderland.

McKenna, 35, who was appointed manager last Thursday but let caretake John McGreal take charge of the game against the Black Cats, says he already knew a number of the squad, having worked with two of them at Tottenham.

“I know quite a lot of the playing squad, partly through Kane [Vincent-Young] and Tom Carroll who were both at Tottenham who I had experience coaching there,” he said.

“I know quite a few of the other boys through the academy system and especially the boys who came through the London academies so I know quite a few of them through that.

“And then I know some of the other players through us football coaches watching football and thinking football 24-seven. So I know quite a lot of the squad.

“With regards to the game on Saturday, I enjoyed it. The occasion first of all, in terms of how the club set it up with the support and to have almost 30,000 people here was a fantastic occasion to see.

“I thought the performance in the first half especially was really positive and I really liked the commitment, the aggression and the mentality of the team.

“It certainly looked like a team that is still fighting for things this year and they are not prepared to give up on the season just yet.

“So, I really liked that, and I really liked the way the fans and the players interacted and the players relished the crowd and the noise, and the fans really got behind the team. I enjoyed seeing that on Saturday, and that’s something we have to harness going forward.”

He says he’s spent time catching up on recent performances: “In terms of impressions of the team, I’ve watched a lot of games this season, especially over the last few days. I’ve been going through the footage of the last eight to 10 games and seeing different things from games before that as well.

“So I feel that I’ve got a good scope on what the strengths and the most positive parts of the team and the squad are, and I’ve also got a good feel on where the improvements can be made and where we can focus our work, so it’s been good meeting them.

“We haven’t had our first official training session yet. There were a few of the injured boys in today, but this morning was more about meeting the staff. The players had a prearranged two-day break off with having such a busy period last week with the Barrow game before Sunderland and such a busy period coming up.

“So, I spoke to the players on Saturday in the dressing room. I’ve met them, I’ve got a bit more of a further talk with the boys who were in at training today and look forward to meeting the whole group and getting our first proper session on the grass tomorrow.”

Photo: TWTD

USA added 15:37 - Dec 20 Must've been for you Kieran as they haven't shown an ounce of passion or commitment on the pitch all season. Now they have shown you they can work hard and are capable of making an effort your biggest challenge with these players seems to be getting that every week. Good luck. The fans will be behind you!!
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markchips added 15:52 - Dec 20 At third division level the p[layers will be inconsistent and that is why they are not playing higher up. I suppose at first he must limit the mistakes and accept some players will only be average some games and good the next. Evans is a classic example, has ability but doesn't show all of the time. Not sure where Penney fits into any of this at all.
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USA added 16:07 - Dec 20 Getting tackles in and fighting for the ball should be done at all levels of football every game. Skills lessen as you move down the league Markchips, effort shouldn't.
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rfretwell added 17:17 - Dec 20 USA that comment is out of order. Its just not correct - the Doncaster, Portsmouth, Wycombe matches were all excellent performances. You obviously havent been watching.
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USA added 17:48 - Dec 20 Maybe a bit exaggerated but not out of order. The players should be embarrassed with some of their performances. Effort levels have been far too low too often. And there is no excuse for it. FYI I've been at every home match and Charlton away. You'll forgive me for the comment but that performance after my trip to Charlton will take some getting over. Diabolical and ZERO effort.

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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 19:14 - Dec 20 Very impressive press meeting. Kieran came over as super focussed, confident, articulate, and polite. He's maybe not going to be a bundle of laughs, but we've had enough jokers for a while. Now it looks like we've got someone who will get on with the job, and more importantly, know what they are doing. I'll take that any day of the week. All to play for. COYB!

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