ASSISTANT manager Micky Cummins is calling on York City's "stronger characters" to lift dressing-room morale.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow's National League North trip to Alfreton Town, Cummins said he believes City's barrier to on-field success is not lack of ability, but confidence.

He and manager Steve Watson have both spoken about trying to boost positivity around Bootham Crescent and the Wigginton Road training ground themselves, but the number two says they also want the optimism to come from within.

Cummins said: "We’ve come in to try and get that momentum, that positivity about the place. These aren’t bad players – they’ve had careers, they’ve done well in the past but it’s what’s between the ears affecting them more than their lack of tactical or technical ability.

"It’s trying to work out each individual, trying to get the best out of them and we’re starting to get there, we’re starting to see better body language around the training ground. It is picking up and starting to show.

"And we’re looking for them, in particular the stronger characters in the group, to influence the ones that need an arm around the shoulder, from them as well as us. But they’ve got to be the catalyst for picking the morale up, particularly in the changing room."

On the challenge of trying to end City's eight-game away losing run, Cummins said: "Every game is massive. This is a spell where we can seriously put points on the board, start a little run going. Along with what we possibly could have coming in, we’ve got to start positive, especially on Saturday.

"We've had them watched, we know what they’re about, we know what to expect and it’s down to us to pick a team that’s going to win it.

"(Alfreton are) direct, physical. We know Styche, he’s a pest. They don’t take any risks at the back, they don’t concede a lot and they rely a lot on set pieces."

The new management duo have already brought in three loan signings, but Cummins said he expects more new recruits to follow.

He said: "We look back at previous games and we’re still looking at the squad, see who is capable of coming on this journey with us.

"We know what we need to bring in. We’re certain on that now, so we’re in the process of addressing that situation.

"We’re trying hard this week, we’re giving the lads opportunities, putting in different things and different shapes, so again, it’s down to them.

"Games are coming thick and fast, play Saturday-Tuesday, but hopefully we’ll have a few more bodies in when the games come around.

"Hopefully we’ll get one over the line before the weekend then definitely another one next week."

Former Southend centre-back Ryan Cresswell - who was previously a target for City under Nigel Worthington in 2013 - has been training with the club and his situation is being monitored.