Conor Hourihane says he dropped midfield regulars Luca Connell and Adam Phillips because they have not been ‘up to scratch’ and did not bring Phillips off the bench because he had turned up late to a team meeting.
The pair have been almost ever-presents when available since signing in 2022 with Connell captain while Phillips has ten goals for a third successive season.
But neither started in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Wigan Athletic with Connell coming off the bench on 70 minutes while Phillips was an unused substitute.
Interim head coach Hourihane told the Chronicle: “Phillo didn’t come on the pitch on purpose. He turned up late to a hotel for a team meeting. I am massive on time keeping and those demands and standards. The lads have been brilliant on that so anyone who turns up late knows the rules. I set that benchmark from the very get go.
“I need players I can trust and hang my hat on in terms of how they turn up and apply themselves. Phillo didn’t play on the back of that, to send a message out to the lads that, if you don’t meet the demands and standards, you won’t play.
“He is one of the better payers at this level. I told him I need more from him and want to see him on the pitch more than anyone.
“But it’s the same rules for everyone. I want players who are putting their utmost into the shirt. There was an issue on Saturday and it wouldn’t have been right to see him on the pitch. The fans want to see people on the pitch who are committed to the football club, wearing the famous red colours and putting everything into it. Once he turns up on time and trains correctly, he has every chance of playing.”
On dropping Phillips and Connell in general, Hourihane said: “I wanted to leave them both out. They have not been up to scratch in my opinion and I’ve told them both that.
“I thought Luca was good when he came on.
“The team needs freshness. The young lads deserved to play.
“They will have to fight hard to get back into the team.
“Luca is the captain of the football club, he’s been brilliant in his response. Me and Phillo had a good chat on Friday and he wants to finish the season strong.
“So it’s up to them now. The ball is in their court. They have to train well, apply themselves correctly and they will have a chance of getting back in.”
Hourihane has been in charge for three games since the sacking of Darrell Clarke. He oversaw a loss at Mansfield, after two days in the role, then 1-1 draws with Cambridge and Wigan.
“I think we’ve seen an improvement. Mansfield was all over the place which is understandable. But in the last two I have seen good signs in terms of the press, running, pinning the opposition back. It was disappointing not to win at Wigan but the lads have been good to manage. We just keep going.”
Does he need a win to back up that good work?
“Potentially, but all the feedback I’ve been getting has been positive. The lads are doing what I am asking. If people couldn’t see what I am doing by now it would be negative but we are trying to get back to the identity of the club and bring academy players through. It’s been pleasing from that point of view.”
