Garton - "My worst week as Chairman"

Carlton Town chairman Mick Garton has admitted the last week has been the worst in his nine years at the helm of the Nottingham club.

With FA Cup defeat at the hands of Hednesford Town last weekend, a defeat to high flying Ilkeston FC in the week and a 5-4 home reverse to Belper Town in the FA Trophy made it a miserable week for the Millers on the field. Throw in a suspected arson attack which has caused extensive damage to the club's turnstiles, and it's not hard to work out that the club are in need of a lift.

A small silver lining was found thanks to generous Belper Town officials, who organised a collection amongst fans that raised £45 for the home club.

"(The collection) was a lovely gesture," said Millers chairman Garton, "They didn't have to do it, and everyone gave generously."

"I've had ups and downs in my time here which is only natural, but this has been the week from hell. We were excellent going forward against Belper, and I witnessed some truly outstanding forward play and creativity, but I have to get my head around the fact we conceded five goals and lost despite leading four times."

Garton was seen in intense discussions with Manager Les McJannet and assitant Mark Clarke following the final whistle, but was keen to stress that there is no issue between himself and his manager.

"We will work through the problems and sort them out. This was a massive low to us both in terms of confidence and financially. Coming hot on the heels of the FA Cup defeat and the arson attack, we can't gloss over the fact we are in a difficult period right now but we all have to pull together and get things back on track."

Speaking of Friday's devastating fire, Garton said, "Damage to the systems at the ground caused by the fire are worse than we first thought. I thought the fates might shine on us in the FA Trophy given the week we have had, but when Ashley Grayson hit the post in the final minutes, I knew that wouldn't be the case.

"We will have to pull ourselves back up without any help from above!"

Despite the disappointments of the club's horror week, Garton issued a rallying cry.

"The players and management need to show character now and get us back on track. Off the field, we all need to get behind the upcoming race night and the club's Christmas Draw to make up an inetivable shotfall of funds due to the fire and the early exit from both big cup competitions.

"The next few weeks will show what people here are all about and I make no exceptions in that.

"It is time to stand up and be counted and I hope that the next time I give this kind of interview it will be on the back of a positive period which we need more than ever right now."