Matt Clements questioned the commitment and desire of St Neots Town’s players following a miserable start to his reign.

Saints slumped to a 4-0 home reverse at the hands of Weymouth last Saturday, as their run without a win increased to 12 matches in all competitions.

The latest in a long line of heavy defeats kept them two points from safety in the Southern League Premier Division and Clements immediately demanded more from the squad he inherited.

“I saw lots of positives when watching the Bank Holiday Monday game at Dunstable, but the display against Weymouth was a real eye-opener,” said Clements. “That performance was full of things that I just won’t accept, and that was made clear to the players after the game.

“They need to start showing me they care about what they’re here to do – and that’s winning football matches to keep the club in this division.

“I’m not a manager who throws tea cups around, but that doesn’t mean I won’t let the lads know how disappointed I am.

“People need to pick up their bottom lip, stop feeling sorry for themselves and start taking responsibility.

“It is clear we need to get in some players who will give us experience and hard work, and the performance against Weymouth may speed that up.

“The intention is to make two or three signings. This is not Championship Manager and I can’t go out and make wholesale changes.”

Right-back Harry Norman, who has arrived from Premier Division rivals Biggleswade Town, was Clements’ first signing as Saints boss. He made his debut against Weymouth and Clements has also put in seven-day approaches for two other defenders. He is also hoping to invite another potential recruit to training.

St Neots have dropped to third-bottom in the Premier Division, but remain two points from safety and boast matches in hand.

They are back on home turf this Saturday when entertaining 17th-placed Dorchester in another crucial clash, 3pm.

Clements has added new loan signing Bradley Fortnam Tomlinson to his squad. The former Northern Ireland Under 19 international has arrived from Ryman League Premier Division side Tonbridge Angels for a month.

Fortnam Tomlinson can play up front or in a wide position.

Saints will then bid to avoid being on the receiving end of a giant-killing when hosting Clements’ former club, Godmanchester Rovers, in a Hunts Senior Cup semi-final on Tuesday.