Ahead of tomorrow’s crucial FA-Cup tie versus Winchester City, we had another chat with our gaffer.
Here, he told us the reason for our improvement in form, his secret to staying calm, and many more…
on reasons behind the players’ improvement in form:
We had a bad few weeks, where anything that could’ve gone wrong did go wrong. There were a tonne of injuries to many of our key players. It didn’t help that nothing on the pitch went our way, either. But, recently we’ve had consistency with team selection, players such as Calvin and Josh have started to come back, and we used all of our hurt to galvanise us and make us stronger and better. This group will only improve.
on how the players were able to “galvanise” themselves:
Things haven’t been ideal, a lot of them were trying to get match fit during a really busy start to the season, but it’s during these times that you learn a lot about yourself and learn quickly, which you have to do in this game. We’ve had our frustrations, but none of us have wavered. I love working with his group.
on coming back from a losing position in games:
This season it’s been difficult to come back after getting pegged behind. With the addition of five substitutions, teams can see out games quite well. But, we’re made of stronger stuff than at the start of the season, and, on Saturday, we were performing very well and we didn’t deserve to be losing. We actually came off the pitch frustrating that we didn’t win.
on Charlie Rowan’s scoring form:
We welcome any goal and it’s important to get goals from all over the pitch. It’s a team game and we want everyone to chip in. As for Charlie, he’s a real goal threat and it’s time we start utilising his abilities more, especially with how well he arrives in the box. He should be feeling confident going into the weekend.
on his ability to stay calm in high-pressure situations:
I think it comes from my own life experiences. Everything great in my life has come as a result of hard work and adversity. With the players I have now, I can see them shaping into men, and that’s how I managed to stay calm. Yes, it’s painful to lose games, but I’ve been in these situations before and I know what it’s like on the other side.
You’ve got to prove yourself in moments of struggle. I know that hard times are part of the game, and a part of life. I know that, with how hard my players and staff are working, we won’t always be unlucky. We will keep getting better.
on potentially reaching the FA Cup First Round proper:
That would be the dream. This is the best cup competition in the world, it produces the most magical moments, but you have to fight for that dream.
I’m not looking any further ahead than Winchester City, who are a really tough side. This team plays well as an underdog, they have some great players, and they will thrive in this situation. We have to make sure we’re at our absolute best.
on being Winchester’s first opponents at their new ground:
This will be their first game at home this season, on a brand new pitch, so it will be a big day for them. We have to make sure we stay professional and focused, and get the job done.