Boss looks for mental toughness

TOUCHLINE TRIO . . . Dean Holden (left) and his back-up men, Tony Philliskirk (centre) and Adam Lockwood, offer the Athletic team their advice and support during last night’s 3-1 loss against MK Dons.

DEAN Holden will assess which of his players are tough enough to help turn round the team's ailing fortunes at Crewe.

Last night's 3-1 home defeat by MK Dons was their sixth loss in seven games – and the fourth in a row at home.

Played in front of a crowd of only 2,445 fans - the lowest gate since the visit of the Dons in October 2010 - the flat atmosphere told the story of a season that has rapidly lost its appeal.

But after his first full day as permanent boss, Holden is in determined mood to provide change. He will speak to chairman Simon Corney about getting new players on loan, which could include a goalkeeper if Jake Kean's ankle injury shows significant damage. Kean came off injured in the second half last night.

"We have to move forward and quickly,” said Holden after the match. “We pick ourselves up. We have conceded too many goals - 10 in our last three home games. Now I’m looking round and asking who is coming with me - those are the types of characters we need out on the pitch on Saturday.”

Substitute Rhys Turner provided limited cheer with his first senior goal, and Jonathan Forte was a lively presence both on the left wing and up front.

And though clearly concerned by the regular defensive aberrations, Holden also stated that some of the eight injured players could be back sooner than first expected.

He added: “They are a very, very good side are MK Dons. We gave away two poor goals. We looked more solid in the second half and went after them more, but they have probably seen out the game by then.”