Sutton United manager John Rains has threatened changes to his team unless the players show more commitment and desire.

United are currently 15th in the Ryman League Premier Division just seven points above basement-boys Harrow Borough and Rains is un-happy with the way his players are performing.

"We are not playing very well at the moment and unless things improve there will be changes," he said.

"I would like to bring some players in, but the ones I want are on contract at other clubs."

Sutton's season has been punctuated by two 11-day breaks in the space of three weeks, but Rains believes the latest lay-off will have given his players time to reflect on their stop-start campaign.

The manager also admitted the breaks had given him a chance to do other things.

"I have been scouting and havd a look at a couple of games," he said. "The break has recharged the batteries.

"If we had been going well and were top of the league, we might want to be in a groove, playing a lot of games. But I don't think it matters for the players and their fitness."

Sutton entertain Bedford Town at Gander Green Lane tomorrow and a win would kick start their season.

However, they will be without Danny Brooker, who hobbled off with a hamstring injury in Sutton's recent 5-3 Ryman League cup win over Dulwich Hamlet.

Veteran defender Gwynne Berry is poised to take the full-back's place in the side.

Dave Timothy returns to the squad after a one-match suspension and Scott Corbett is back in training after re-covering from a groin injury.

"Whoever we play in this league will be tough and we need to contribute more as a team.

"It is important we put in a performance tomorrow we owe it to ourselves."

"And we have to start winning. I'm disappointed with the season so far and it has to improve."

Sutton then travel to Thame United in the second round of the Ryman League cup on Tuesday.

December 7, 2001 12:32