Having been relegated from Division One last season, Roofing were one of the favourites to get promoted this season.

But a 3-1 midweek defeat at the hands of Brandon United was their ninth loss in 16 league games this season, leaving the Roofers slumped in the bottom half of the table, 15 points off the top three.

There is still a long way to go this season, but McLoughlin admits he doesn't think he has the players needed to scrap their way out of the division.

He said: "We've got no chance. We've got a lot of good football players in our side, but that's not what we need.

"In this division it's just kick and rush, and that's not our style.

"We have tried to change our style and go a bit more direct, but the players can't do it.

"We need a team of runners, who will close players down and get in their faces.

"I have forgotten all about this league and how to play in it – I have made a mistake.

"I don't think we can change it enough now this season – we have got to get more players who can adapt.

"It's too late to totally reshape the side – we would have to make too many changes.

"Plus we're missing too many chances, and then the other teams are taking theirs – and these teams' forwards aren't even as good as ours."

Roofing haven't been helped by their inability to get a settled side, with suspensions, holidays, injuries and players going away for the weekend all affecting team selection.

McLoughlin hopes to have Phil Graham, Andy Bowes, Danny Carson and Stuart Dixon back for their trip to Sunderland RCA tomorrow after they missed the Brandon game, but Dean Goodwin and Ryan Dunn are away for the weekend.

"Years ago you didn't get players going away so much," added McLoughlin. "But these days players don't seem to care as much.

"Myself and Wes (Saunders) know what has to be done. Maybe when we get everyone back we might win a few games and go on a run.

"But it was a bad year last year, and this year has been just the same."