RAY LEWINGTON would not have played either St Albans City or Brentford at this stage of pre-season if the decision had been his.

The manager inherited these friendlies, which were organised before he took charge, and he explained: "Ordinarily, I would never have a game within the first two weeks of pre-season.

"For me, the way that I would do it is that we get two weeks of fitness work under our belts and then go into some organisation and then go into a game and then work on that.

"Unfortunately, we have not been able to do that, so it is a fine balance of getting them fit to play football. You're always taking very big risks because, obviously, when they're playing they're working harder than they would in training and you are susceptable to pulls and strains and everything else.

"So, we've had to forego any organisation stuff just to get them fit for the first and second game."

Despite not having the amount of time before the games he would have wished for, Lewington has already left his players in no doubt what he expects from one area of their play.

"I've planted in their heads just one aspect of the game that I'm looking for this season, and that is I want to close the ball down a little bit quicker than we did last year, and really that's all I've said to them.

"The formation has changed first-half and second-half because of the players that are on there. There's no real insight to the way we will be playing in the first two games."

Reflecting on the matches to date, Lewington said: "The first one (at St Albans) there were some positives. I think it's good to start against non-league opposition, and I was pleased.

"But last night (Tuesday) was a bit of a mess really. Brentford have been in a good ten days earlier than us pre-season, and it showed to be honest.

"They looked quicker and sharper, and the fact that we were playing against a professional side meant that it showed up all our deficiencies.

"The 4-3-3 allowed Brentford, because they were a little bit fitter, to take advantage of the gaps, and we got a real scrappy game.

"We have got enough problems already that I am just thankful the two games haven't brought up any fresh injuries."

Asked about his thoughts on the fact his side only managed one on-target shot at Griffin Park, the boss replied: "We didn't play well, but, as I say, a lot comes from the fitness. If the opposition are that much stronger than you, you don't get the ball back.

"I was disappointed, but I just think the game was too early. I am not expecting anything out of the two games.

"I'm disappointed that the Watford crowd see it, but, as I say, for the first two weeks the Watford crowd shouldn't be seeing us, but we've had to do it. It's already been arranged."

Injuries and a number of departures over the summer forced Lewington to field several young players during the friendlies, and he said: "I think they probably see it as an opportunity. The fine balance of picking a side is, yes we will be giving youngsters their opportunity this year, we'll be forced to, but I've got no problem with that anyway.

"The trouble is introducing too many at one go because you definitely need your core of leaders on the pitch, and we missed Coxy last night, and he's one of them.

"We haven't got too many, we're a pretty quiet side, and when we introduce more youngsters they're coming into a quiet environment. But it's an opportunity for the kids. They know we haven't got as greater numbers as we did last year."

Among the positives have been the performances of new signing Sean Dyche, who has produced two solid displays.

"I am very pleased," said Lewington. "One, his play has been okay, and two, he's a leader he talks, and he's already pulling people about.

"When you think we introduced him to the lads on Friday afternoon he didn't even train with the lads and he played Saturday, he's got himself involved very quickly. I think in Sean there's someone that I can rely on to transfer all the stuff that I want on the pitch."

Of Stephen Hughes, he said: "He's worked hard in the summer, and he's come back. I didn't realise, but before Saturday's game, it was his first game in six months. It's a hell of a long time to be out. He's probably ring-rusty as well so the games will be of benefit of him."

When Lewington was asked about the former Arsenal midfielder's runs into the area that led to his two goals at St Albans, he responded: "When you look at the equipment he's got he should do.

"That's one thing I will be saying to all the midfield players that they should be getting in the box and looking to score goals.

"He's one of many. I would expect Micah to be weighing in with a few, and people like Jamie Hand if they play. We've got to have a bigger spread of goals than we probably had last year."

July 19, 2002 11:30