Tomkinson: I want to see character from Central

Manchester Central boss Chris Tomkinson gave us an insight into his mindset ahead of this weekend’s return to Division One football.

Central welcome familiar foes Avro Reserves to Seashell Trust as they begin to play out their remaining four league fixtures following a disappointing campaign.

Avro ran out victors in a 5-3 thriller earlier on in the season and Tomkinson expects a ‘competitive game’ with a side who Central have gone toe to toe with over the last few seasons.

And whilst the Central gaffer has already acknowledged a shift in focus towards next season, he wants his side to continue their positive performances that they have put in, most recently against Boothstown and Altrincham Hale.

“It will be a competitive game as usual against Avro, who still have an outside chance of getting promoted. We will be simply focusing on what we can do and what we want to see going into next season.

The two league games prior have shown what we want going forward, the performance is more what we’re looking for from our lads.”

Tomkinson also spoke on relishing a fixture with a side above them in the standings, particularly a team who they have history with. However, the Central manager recognised that despite the weight of their promotion clinching clash in 2022, this weekend’s meeting has less riding on the fixture.

“It’s always a competitive fixture and it’s always interesting to see where you are as a team when you play teams who are above you and a team who have the luxury of being able to call upon players who play at a higher level, seeing how you compete.

Last season there was obviously plenty riding on the fixture but this season it’s just been another fixture for us like every game. One we obviously want to win like we try to against any opponent.”

Not having picked up a piece of silverware or being able to fight for promotion certainly signals the mark of a disappointing campaign for Central in 2022/23, but Tomkinson was dismissive of the fact that these remaining fixtures hold no weight.

“We want to win any game otherwise there is zero point in playing in a league. The most important thing for us is to see character and desire, to work hard no matter the result or outcome.

Lads listening to what we want from them, showing desire and character in the game whether the game is going for us or against us. Seeing if our lads can actually show that character needed to push for promotion. It will be interesting to see if we can be more consistent in the last four games of the season.”

Tomkinson also admitted that he has learnt a lot about his side in the last month, on and off the pitch, and what needs to change on the training ground. He echoed that alongside Chairman Paul McGuire, they seek high performance levels, even over results.

“In the last month we’ve learnt a lot about players, whether that’s commitment or ability, to do what we ask of them and us as coaches and how we operate. It’s been a real eye opener and that’s why performances and the character shown is most important for us.

It’s always a time for learning but it’s now just seeing what the lads can do between now and then (next season) and we want the way we want to play to rub off on all of them.”