York Acorn coach Simon Tuffs looking for a more “professional” attitude (From York Press)

York Acorn coach Simon Tuffs looking for a more “professional” attitude

10:38am Thursday 9th September 2010 in

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NEW coach Simon Tuffs is keen to instil a more “professional” attitude in his York Acorn ARLC team.

The Blue and Golds have won only one of their tricky opening four fixtures under Tuffs in the National Conference premier division, and they face another test at Wath Brow Hornets on Saturday (2.30pm).

But the coach, who succeeded Alfie Hill at Thanet Road in the close season, believes his new methods will quickly begin to bear fruit.

“It’s been a case of trying to change attitudes and make them more professional,” he said. “Over the last couple of years they have achieved a lot. Their ability levels have got them to where they are, but they didn’t prepare as well as teams I have been involved in before.

“It’s about changing the mentality of the players. When you get to this level, the game is played between the ears and mental strength really helps you to come up trumps when the big games come along.

“Hopefully, it will turn things around sooner rather than later.”

Acorn have endured a difficult run of fixtures, with the Wath Brow trip following games against Leigh East, Siddal, Bradford Dudley Hill and Thatto Heath, who fill four of the top five league placings.

Tuffs said: “In a perfect world, we could have won them all, but for one reason or another we have not got over the line. There is no panic, I am just looking to turn those tight games into wins.”

The Blue and Golds head to Wath Brow without talisman Jon Liddell who pulled a hamstring last weekend.

The stand-off has been deputising as captain in the absence of Mike Embleton, who is unavailable for away games while his wife is pregnant.

Steve Ramsey is out with a groin injury and Jonny Waldron is struggling with a knock.

The Acorn ‘A’ side host Kettlethorpe at Thanet Road in division two of the CMS Yorkshire League.

Heworth host Shaw Cross in National Conference division two looking to start afresh after their 50-0 defeat at Hunslet Warriors.

Spokesman Ken Sykes said: “We are not downhearted. We started optimistically and we have got our hardest game out of the way.”

Heworth will be looking for big games from scrum-half Gareth Watson, loose forward Chris Varley and prop Carl Potter, who all stood out against a strong Warriors team.

The Villagers’ ‘A’ team travel to Shaw Cross ‘A’ in division three of the CMS Yorkshire League.