Manager returns to his home city on Saturday with Town
Graham Alexander returns to his home city of Coventry on Saturday afternoon as Fleetwood Town look to close the gap on their nearest rivals.Alexander, a Sky Blue supporter, insists any connection with the club goes out of the window this weekend, as he looks for three points with the Cod Army.
Last weekend’s home draw against Sheffield United meant that Town remained in 11th position, but are only four points behind the play-off places.
Reflecting on his time as a City fan, he said: “During my childhood Coventry were always in the top division and I can remember many last match escapes at Highfield Road.
“The move to the Ricoh was planned to take the club onto bigger and better things, as relegation from the Premier League hit the club hard.
“They’ve had massive problems recently though which is a shame because they’re a superb club and a city that loves its football.
“As a Coventry supporter I always want the club to do well, but my focus is on Fleetwood and we’re looking to get a result.”
Alexander paired Matty Hughes and Jamie Proctor together against the Blades, and was pleased with how the duo combined.
“Matty and Jamie are both young players and it’s down to them really. It was the first time they’d played together and I thought they did very well.
“On another day they could have nicked a goal each, but what I liked about them when I reviewed the game was the fact they were always in and around the goal.
“That’s what we need to do. We need to get our players into goalscoring positions because when we did that we made it hard for Sheffield United’s back four.”
The manager also praised Antoni Sarcevic for his contribution in recent weeks, and was delighted to see the attacker get off the mark at Highbury.
“The last few weeks when he’s been back in the team he’s been training superbly. His work ethic in training has been great and he’s carried that into games.
“That’s why we’re seeing the Antoni Sarcevic that we know, and if he keeps getting in those goalscoring positions then he’ll definitely score.
“He’s a young lad just like many of the others in the Club, and they do go through periods where they lose form.
“It happened to me when I was a player but you just need little reminders of what’s expected of you and what you’re good at.
“We know we’ve got a very good young player on our hands who had a fantastic season last year, and is fighting to establish himself at this level now.”