'Does it take more guts to keep taking them or more guts to let him keep taking them?' - Crawley Town head coach John Yems on keeping Tom Nichols on penalty taking duties

Crawley Town head coach John Yems had no doubts about letting Tom Nichols take the penalty which set up victory against Exeter City on Saturday.
Tom Nichols ready to take the penalty against Exeter City. Picture by UK Sports Images Ltd/Jamie EvansTom Nichols ready to take the penalty against Exeter City. Picture by UK Sports Images Ltd/Jamie Evans
Tom Nichols ready to take the penalty against Exeter City. Picture by UK Sports Images Ltd/Jamie Evans

Before Saturday, the striker had missed his past two spot kicks – but after Nick Tsaroulla was brought down by Nigel Atangana, Yems had no doubts he was still the mna to take responsibility.

“I work with Tom every day of the week – I know what he has in his character and locker,” he said.

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“But I wonder, does it take more guts to keep taking them or more guts to let him keep taking them?!

“I have known Tom for a long time and I know what he is doing for the club. He’s a breath of fresh air around the club. I am never going to lose confidence in him, why should I? I know how important he is to the team.”

Yems was ALSO very pleased with Davide Rodari after the former Hastings United striker made his first start for Crawley Town on Saturday.

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Rodari had made a couple of substitute appearances before being thrust into the starting line-up against Exeter City on Saturday.

The 21-year-old, who signed for the Reds in January, was taken off at half-time but Yems was pleased with his 45 minutes’ work.

The head coach said: “I thought Davide did very well, he showed some good glimpses.

“Exeter are a tough side to make your debut against. I was well pleased with him.

“If he keeps working hard he’s got a good future in the game.”