Newark & Sherwood boss Romaine Graham says he’s still learning in management after mixed results in United Counties League Premier Division North

Romaine Graham says he’s still learning in management as Newark & Sherwood work through a sticky patch.

The Highwaymen’s form has been up and down in recent weeks and boss Graham is keen to get back on track.

Made permanent boss in February, after a successful spell in caretaker charge, he’s hoping to challenge for a play-off place this season.

United are eighth in United Counties Premier Division North but there’s plenty of time left to fight for a top-five finish.

“We’re having a bit of a sticky patch at the minute,” said Graham. “But since I’ve come in, I’ve never really got too carried away.

“I did really well last season, we lost one in 10 or 11 games but I always knew it couldn’t be like that all the time.

“It’s what we do in the tricky times and I’m still learning myself as a gaffer as well.

“Sometimes you’re tempted to throw a grenade on it all but I’ve got to work through it, do the right things and we’ll come good because we’ve got the quality.

“It’s finding a balance. At the end of the day, I’ve got so much faith in this group and I want to give them a chance to put things right.

“There’s still a hell of a lot of football to play.”

Newark & Sherwood lost 3-0 at home to Belper on Saturday before winning 2-1 at home to Hucknall on Tuesday night.

Goals from Sam King and a Jamie Williamson header turned the game around in the last 13 minutes.

Having only recently hung up his boots, the former Long Eaton captain knows how players’ minds work.

And he’ll be urging them to take responsibility for their performances as United look to climb the table.

Sometimes a rollicking is required while others need an arm round the shoulder.

“You do have to tailor your approach to each player,” said Graham.

“I always try to go at it with my player’s hat on, so I understand players, but I also know players can be selfish and will always look for an excuse.

“So that’s something I try to drill into them, reflect on your game and your game only, don’t worry about the referee or anyone else, just think about what you can do better.

“That’s when I started to play my best football, when I got rid of excuses and focused on being the best player I could be.”

Graham started watching games back as a player and he’s taken that into management.

Looking back at the Belper defeat, it wasn’t as one-sided as he initially thought at full-time.

The visitors deserved the points but the Highwaymen were in the game.

“I watch every game as much as I can, and it’s something I started as a player,” said Graham.

“In the last few years, Veo (match footage) has taken off and everyone’s got it, so I had the opportunity to watch my game back.

“I’d find it so useful because there were times when I’d be thinking ‘that was terrible’ when I misplaced a pass and when you watch it back it’s nothing.

“As a gaffer it’s good because in the moment, like against Belper, I felt we were so far off it in the first half but on reflection, after watching it back, it was just one of those tight games.

“They probably had the balance of play and got ahead but it wasn’t as dominant as I thought, so it gives me a different perspective.

“I also notice other things. For example, I didn’t notice that the last goal, which came from our own free-kick, the person that scored was in the box defending the free-kick and he’s out-run our lads and scored at the other end.

“It highlights those types of things as well, which makes my blood boil, but it’s good to have the footage.”

Newark & Sherwood visit mid-table Skegness on Saturday (3pm). Graham’s men have already won there 3-1 in the FA Cup this season.

“Skeggy are normally in and around that battle for the play-offs,” said Graham.

“We went there and won in the FA Cup, and made loads of noise, so it’s definitely going to be a tough game.”