Graham Alexander was left with no doubt how he felt about last Saturday’s result at Northampton but remained upbeat about preparations for next weekend.
Graham Alexander was left with no doubt how he felt about last Saturday’s result at Northampton but remained upbeat about preparations for next weekend.
Speaking Monday, the Fleetwood manager said:
“We had a disappointing day at Northampton but it is important to take positives out of any game and move forward.
“That started today and we worked hard in this morning’s session. The lads really put the effort in with the first team having a recuperation session. They’ll now be raring to go on Tuesday. It’s all about preparing right for Saturday’s game. It will be a tough match and I hope no one makes the mistake in thinking it won’t be. I certainly won’t and we’ll do the right things this week.”
Bristol Rovers visit Highbury next weekend having suffered a home set-back against league leaders Gillingham.
“A lot of teams haven’t had a good time against Gillingham so that’s no real barometer of their position. Gillingham are a very good team and Bristol Rovers are an opponent who, on paper, we should beat.”
Alexander wasn’t in charge for the corresponding fixture at the Memorial Ground in September that saw Town earn a goalless draw. However, the Fleetwood boss will be looking to go one better but won’t under estimate the opposition.
“What I’ve seen is anyone in this division can beat anyone else. You’ve seen Barnet rise up the league in the past few weeks because they’ve put a string of results together.
“We have to make sure we are not the start of a Bristol Rovers turnaround in form. If we don’t show them the respect they deserve then that could happen. We will show them all the respect they deserve. That means we must have our house in order to earn three points. It’s a big game for us.”
Both sides look ahead to the weekend with new managers in place with Rovers appointing John Ward just before the festive campaign – the second time the 61-year-old has been in charge of the Pirates.
“John Ward has been around for a very long time and I’ve come across him a few times in my career playing against his teams” said Alexander. “He knows this division and his footballers and he knows how to organise them. He’s only been there a short space of time but I’m sure his impact is working on the team.”
The Fleetwood manager said using this week effectively will determine Saturday’s outcome but warns his side must perform at Highbury.
“We need to do the things right from minute one and through-out this week with our preparations so we are focused on Saturday. We have to make sure we are professional and play at our maximum. If we don’t play at our maximum then we won’t get the correct result. Whoever we play we look to win but we must put our game right first and that’s what we must do.
“It’s important to put our house in order and get our home form going. Home form has probably been the most disappointing aspect of the season. Our home form doesn’t match our expectations and that is something we have to address.”
Kick-off on Saturday is 3pm and tickets are available online, in the club shop or by calling 0843 515 3832. The club shop is open Tuesday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday from 9am.
