Tooting & Mitcham United boss Craig Tanner has praised the work ethos of his players, despite enduring a tough start to life in management at Imperial Fields.

Since taking on the Terrors job – in his first managerial role – Tanner has presided over just three wins in 15 matches in all competitions.

The Terrors return to action in Ryman League Division One South this weekend at home to Whitstable Town, with Tanner hopeful leading scorer Sol Pinnock will be back from injury.

Tanner said: “I always knew, with the budget I was given, it was going to be difficult to hit the ground running.

“But the board and I have our targets, including creating a better attitude in the dressing room.

“Last season there were players who were willing to play, but not put in the hard work off the field.

“Now I have players who work so hard on the training field, who are willing to sit on the bench and fight for their place in the team – which is what we need.”

He added: “We need a run of results, that will get confidence up, but for the time behind I am pleased with what we’ve achieved so far.”