Town hope to make it three wins on the bounce at home
Graham Alexander is looking forward to getting back to Highbury on Saturday afternoon as his Fleetwood Town side take on Gillingham.The Cod Army have yet to taste league defeat on home soil this season, and have won their last two games against Port Vale and Doncaster Rovers.
In fact, Town’s last reverse at Highbury came at the end of February when they were well beaten by Plymouth Argyle.
The manager also thanked the Cod Army faithful for their fantastic support at Preston North End last weekend, and hopes for the same atmosphere on Saturday.
He said: “There’s been a great atmosphere at every home game this season and the supporters have played their part in helping us over the line.
“They keep our players focused and at it and everyone needs their support. It’s a great feeling when you can turn good performances into good results.”
Town were dealt the news this morning that striker Liam McAlinden, who was on-loan with the Club from Wolves, had been recalled to Molineux by Kenny Jackett.
“We’re obviously disappointed to lose Liam. We’d agreed a loan up until January so we’d planned for that time, but we knew at the back of our minds that he could get called back.
“But that’s the case these days and like I say we’re disappointed. If he goes back and plays then it’s a great step-up for him, and we thank Wolves and Liam for the time he was here.
“He’s a superb player and a great lad who performed really well for us.”
In addition, midfielder Stewart Murdoch has move on-loan to League Two side Northampton Town until January as he seeks games time.
“With Murdo going to Northampton it’s a good opportunity for him to get games under his belt. He’s been frustrated this season at not getting that opportunity due to the form of other players.
“It’s happening with a few of the boys though. With Scott going to Morecambe and Murdo to Northampton, these are lads who have come to see me and desperate to play games.
“I’ve always spoke to the whole group and said that we want these players to do well and that we also want these players to have good careers.
“If they see a month or so away from Highbury to keep their match sharpness and to come back to us in a better competitive state then we will support that.”
And Alexander had nothing but praise for the Cod Army at Deepdale last Saturday afternoon and stated that the fans did the Club proud.
“There was a lot of pride felt from the staff and the players and how we represented the Club last weekend. The supporters were great.
“There was a great atmosphere for a good hour but even then still carried on chanting and applauded the team because they knew how much they put into the game playing against such a big opponent.
“To go toe to toe with a club like that is something we can look on positively, but obviously as professional we were desperate to get the result.”