As the dust settles on a memorable Saturday afternoon for Fleetwood Town who beat Preston North End 4-0, Ryan Crowther took time to reflect on a great day for his team-mate and friend Nathan Pond who celebrated 10 years with the club.
Crowther paid tribute to Pond, “first and foremost Nathan is a top lad. All the fans love him and he’s a great player. He’s got great qualities – he’s big, he’s strong and got great leadership. To rise through all the leagues and step up his levels is magnificent.”
Fleetwood Town convincingly beat Preston which shows a real sign of intent for Town’s aspirations this upcoming season and Ryan Crowther believes pre-season is all about preparing. “Pre-season is all about getting our sharpness and fitness. We want to gel with each other and I think it’s coming together quite nicely.”
Crowther, who was on target twice for the Cod Army against Preston added, “I’m grateful for the chance to play, it’s nice to score goals but first and foremost it’s about the performance, the result and getting a clean sheet. We worked hard not to concede and we always looked like scoring goals.”
With the season reaching ever closer Crowther admits pre-season has been tough but hopefully the tough work will pay off. “Pre-season has been tough, the gaffer wants us fit and that’s what we’ve been trying to do. We’re all getting match fit now and better technically which you saw in our performance.”
Town have been busy spenders this summer bringing in plenty of new faces which inevitably means more competition but Crowther welcomes any competition as it is good for the squad. “The more competition there is the more we will all push each other. Then, when you get a chance you have to take it. We want to learn from last year and put things right. We’ve added quality and hopefully this year we’ll get promotion.”