ILKESTON boss Kevin Wilson believes the Robins' recent dip in form is down to the club's youngsters having their heads turned.
Wilson's young side still sit in eighth in the Evo-Stik NPL Premier after a fantastic start but have lost two of their last three games, including their away trip to Stockport in the FA Cup.
Ilkeston face a tough game against FC United of Manchester at the New Manor Ground tomorrow and Wilson thinks the amount of speculation, as well as scouts at games, has unsettled his youthful squad.
“I'm taking calls every day from clubs – and countries – who are interested in our players and every time we play, you can guarantee that a posse of scouts will be at the game,” he said.
“We always knew that would happen because of the quality of the young players we have at the club but Steve Chettle and I are trying all we can to throw a protective net around the kids.
“A lot of clubs are going about things in the right manner but agents are certainly not helping. A number of them are contacting the players direct – which they're not allowed to do – by using social media and the outside influences are a major problem to us.
“They're definitely affecting the performances of the players and we have to try to close ranks, pull everyone together again and get them re-focused.”
