Ahead of tomorrow’s crucial FA-Trophy match away to Yeovil Town, we sat down with interim boss Jason Matthews, who is set to lead the dugout versus our biggest rivals for the second time this year…
During our conversation he spoke about the importance of derby day, the role of a gaffer before such games and more…
on last weekend’s performance:
The result was frustrating, but I was pleased with the intensity that the players showed throughout the whole 90 minutes. I felt they kept going until the very end. Maybe if we weren’t chasing an equaliser, and if Rowley didn’t make that save for Tonbridge with just a few minutes to go, it would have been a different game
on the current mood around the camp:
This dressing room has a great group of players and a lot of big characters. Ultimately we are judged on results in football, and results haven’t gone our way recently, but tomorrow is a cup game. Anything can happen.
We trained last night, where I just re-iterated to the players what I expect from them. As a group, we did last-minute fitness checks to see our availability. Obviously Charlie Rowan is suspended, and Will Buse is cup-tied, so we are already in the process of making changes.
on his role as “interim manager:”
It’s not something that I had envisaged doing this season, I took a step back from the club before the campaign started, but I feel privileged to return. I know a lot of the lads already, so my job is to make sure they get out onto the pitch and give everything they’ve got.
on what this club means to him:
This is my club. It has a big place in my heart; I feel very lucky to have played and managed here as long as I have.
on tomorrow’s crucial cup tie:
I’m massively looking forward to it. A local derby, what more can you ask for. It gets the blood pumping, that’s for sure. For all of us, players, management and supporters, you cannot ask for a bigger game than Yeovil away.
on hopes for tomorrow:
I want us to give everything. I know that the fans will be right behind us, but we need to give them something to cheer about. They need to see a decent performance, and I will do what I can to make sure my players have the confidence to go and do that.
on “derby day:”
During my playing career, a lot of my derby games would be against Dorchester Town, and the standout thing for me was always the sheer noise from the fans. The atmosphere really gets you up for the occasion, as it should. You’re desperate to give back to the mass volume of supporters who are all behind you, and it’s always a great feeling to play in front of a big crowd. These matches are truly special to be involved in, and I know that our current players are feeling the exact same way.
on his approach to derby games as a manager:
It may sound simple, but the main thing is to treat it like any other match. Understandably, emotions can sometimes get the better of you in these games, so it’s vital to remain in control. Prepare for these fixtures no differently than normal.
As for the players, the main thing is that I take the pressure off them and get them in the right mindset for the game, but it’s also crucial to know how to get the best out of each individual player. Some need a few strong words, others an arm round the shoulder. All players are different.
on his main messages to the group:
Go out there and give your all. They did that last weekend and I have every confidence that they will do that tomorrow.
on his message to the fans:
We hope to give you something to cheer about. This is a massive occasion, and we promise to give everything we’ve got.
