Manager's thoughts before final league game of the season
Manager Graham Alexander wants Fleetwood Town to head into the Sky Bet League 2 Play-Offs with a win at Chesterfield on Saturday.
The Cod Army face their last regular league fixture of the season this weekend when they travel to the Proact Stadium, knowing that, no matter the result, they are guaranteed fourth spot in the table.
Paul Cook’s Spireites are already promoted to League One and will now look to wrap up the title, already occupying top spot.
Alexander, however, has no interest in helping their goal and wants Town to pick up all three points in preparation for the Play-Offs.
“We want to finish the regular season on a high,” said Alexander.
“We’ve had a really good run of strong form in the last couple of months and we want to continue that into the Play-Offs.
“Last week’s results meant that we couldn’t break into the top three, so we focus on the positives this week and want to go into the game and win it.
“I know it has no bearing on our final position but we still represent Fleetwood Town, we still represent ourselves so we want to do the best job.”
Alexander feels that, because Chesterfield still have something to play for, their competitive approach will help Fleetwood’s preparations for the Play-Offs.
“The Play-Off games coming up are going to be competitive so it probably is better for us that they have something to play for,” he said.
“Chesterfield have got their own incentive to go and win the game and their crowd will turn out to support them, likewise will ours who travel. We owe them a performance as well.
“It will be a tough game no doubt. They’re the league leaders at the moment but my focus on making sure we do the best job we can.”
Alexander is also confident that, if he decides to make changes to his starting side, players coming into the team can take on the job without a problem.
“We’ve got massive games coming up and we’ve got a very competitive squad,” said Alexander.
“When we have changed the team this season, especially in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, people have handled themselves really well.”
Fleetwood will find out their opponents for the Play-Off semi-finals on Saturday, with Burton Albion, Southend United and York City all battling to finish as high as they can.
Whoever of the three finishes seventh will stand in the way of Town and a trip to Wembley for the final.