DORCHESTER Town’s Matt Oldring has spoken of the club’s need for a “back-to-basics” approach as they try and avoid a relegation battle.

The club find themselves without a win in seven games and Oldring is under no illusions that their performances haven’t been good enough.

He said: “Over the last few weeks, results and performances haven’t been great but before that we were doing well.

“I think the change of manager and losing your captain has had an effect. At the moment I think the players know they’re not performing as well as they should be, not just as a team but individually aswell.”

The Magpies’ defender also spoke of the “clear the air” talks which were held after Saturday’s 4-0 defeat at Chippenham Town.

He said: “We’ve hit a bit of a rough patch but we had a little chat after the game with Chippenham and we all aired our views and now we all know where we need to go from here to get the club safe.

“We just wanted to discuss where we went wrong in the last couple of games and what we can do to put it right. We want to be competing and picking up results so we just needed a chat to make sure we’re all pulling in the same direction and working together.”

Oldring did however, praise the impact which Craig Laird has had on the club since his appointment one month ago, although he claims he has a “difficult job”.

He said: “Craig’s had a positive impact. Training has been good and he has a real can-do attitude. He creates a positive atmosphere around the club and that certainly rubs off on the players.

“It’s always hard coming in mid-season, especially when you lose your captain. It just makes his job that little bit more difficult.

“On a personal level, he’s had a positive effect but we just need to start implementing what he wants on the pitch so we can pick up some results.”

Oldring also confirmed that Laird has appointed Nathan Walker as the permanent captain of the club saying: “I think Nathan is the best man to lead the club”.