Current joint caretaker-manager spoke to Josh Barton of theterras.com ahead of Monday’s game away to Cirencester Town.
Josh Barton: Hi Paul. Happy Easter and thanks for joining me again. After a home win on Good Friday. We play our last away game of the season against Cirencester. How are the lads feeling?
Paul Maitland: Pretty determined. Going for them three wins from three. Had a tough week last week in terms of travel and games over short periods. Myself and Mark were pleased with the energy levels on Friday. We also owe it to the other teams in the relegation battle to put in a performance as Cirencester are down in the relegation zone and need to win.
JB: Any early team news for the game?
PM: Dane has picked up an ankle injury so will be out. Cooper, Wannell and Thomson taken off on Friday as a precaution but we expect them all to be fit.
JB: Last season we put in arguably our best performance of the season at Cirencester. We always seem to do well against them. What do you put that down to? If anything?
PM: I guess it’s just somewhere we enjoy playing. It’s usually a decent pitch. Sometimes you get that. I’m expecting much more of a battle tomorrow than a football encounter.
JB: Ashley Wells picked up the player of the month award for March. Have Ash’s responsibilities changed since moving into a new position?
PM: Yes. Other than the goalkeeper he has become the last line. His pace has sometimes got us out of trouble. He’s still got a lot to learn and areas of game he can improve but he has thoroughly deserved his award for March.
JB: On our last away game of the season and with a good number of supporters following yourselves and the team to East Gloucestershire. How important are the supporters that travel everywhere with the team?
PM: I think it’s like I said on Saturday; when your supporters are behind you it makes the world of difference. The away support has been fantastic all season and the money spent and the general support given has as always been fantastic. We have the best away support in the league and it is noticed by everyone.
