No concern over summer influx

10:30am Friday 25th April 2008

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Andy Scott may have warned his players there are eight places to fill in his squad, but midfielder Gary Smith is not scared of the competition The Bees boss slammed Saturday's 3-1 capitulation at Lincoln City as his side's worst performance since he took charge, before reminding his players only 12 of them were under contract for next season.

The Griffin Park manager has vowed to leave no stone unturned to bring in the talent he feels is needed to provide the strength in depth required for a tilt at promotion.

Smith, who signed a new deal in January keeping him at the club until 2009, has flourished under the rookie boss since landing a regular starting slot.

And the former Middlesborough trainee believes Scott can bring in the right men to inspire a title charge, even though it could mean his place comes under threat.

"We have a quality squad now and I know Andy has got his eye on improving it. Every manager always looks to improve their side in the summer," he said.

"Everyone is fighting for their place at the moment and that is no bad thing.

"The more competition for places, the better the team is.

"I am not worried because you have to believe in your own ability. You have to be confident you are better than anyone else who comes in."

Keeper Simon Brown, who faces a challenge for the number one spot from Seb Brown next season after the youngster was handed a new deal this week, committed a howler to hand Lincoln an early goal.

Nathan Elder, who will miss the rest of the season after under going knee surgery on Wednesday, equalised on the stroke of half-time, but the Imps were home and dry with two second-half strikes.

Smith described the display as a bad day at the races but it left Scott, who offered no excuses to the Bees' travelling support, to bemoan his side's defending.

"I think that is the first time since I have been in charge that I have been very disappointed with the way we played. We deserved to lose and we let some very poor goals in," he added.

"People can come in after and say sorry, but sorry doesn't get you results and points and up to the top of the league."