Crows boss cites commitment issues

INFLUENTIAL midfielder Martin Standen has left Royston Town Football Club, manager Paul Attfield has confirmed.

The player hadn’t featured in any of the Crows opening league fixtures this season, and was told before the club’s FA Cup win over Hanworth Villa that it was in the best interests of both parties that his contract was cancelled.

Standen, who signed for the Crows two seasons ago, has subsequently turned out for Herts Senior County League Division One side Hatfield RBL this week.

And while Attfield says it is unfortunate the player has left Garden Walk, the Crows boss says he needs every single player to be 100 per cent committed this season if the team is going to be successful.

“Unfortunately Martin couldn’t give us the required commitment due to work and we’ve had to let him go,” Attfield told the Royston Crow.

“The commitment levels of all the players needs to go up having won promotion last season, and I couldn’t operate within Martin’s guidelines. I can’t have a player who is in-out, in-out all the time trying to operate around work commitments.

“It was a difficult decision but we’ve got a big enough squad to be able to cope with it. Martin didn’t feature in the opening games of the season and we won them all.”

Attfield says Standen’s departure won’t prompt him to find an instant replacement, although he admits he is keeping an eye out for one or two players to strengthen defensive areas.

Meanwhile, league-leaders Royston welcome Daventry Town to Garden Walk for the fourth match of the Evo-Stik Division One Central season. Attfield has tipped the Northamptonshire side to do well this season, but insists his side is capable of getting another three points.

“I think this game has come at the right time as we are full of confidence, and this match will give us a good indication of where we’re at,” Attfield said.

Goalkeeper Will Norris is set for a return after missing two matches due to illness.