John Sheridan has spoken to the media ahead of Saturday’s Fylde Coast clash against Blackpool.
The game will be Fleetwood’s first at Bloomfield Road in almost three years, and Town will be looking to pick up their first league victory over their neighbours.
Check out the key quotes from the boss below…
Sheridan on Derby Day…
“We’re looking forward to it, very much so. The most important thing is that the players are responsible for where we are in the table, and it’s a massive relief. We feel as though we are safe now, so to be safe with four games to go takes a bit of pressure off us.
“Gary has done a brilliant job at Blackpool, and they are safe too so both teams can relax a bit. They’ll want to win it as much as we do though. I think it’ll be a good game.
“It’ll be a hard game too, they’re in good form and they’re scoring a lot of goals. It’s a big game and the supporters will want the bragging rights, and I think we can do it.
“The game brings people together, even families where there’s a split. For some reason, the match doesn’t always end up as classic, and they’re tight affairs, but it’s a game for the supporters more than anything.
“We will go there and be professional, and treat it like any other game.”
On having experience of derby matches…
“I’ve played in a lot of derbies. You’ve got to be ready for a battle. I want the players to go out there and relax, try and get the ball down and play, but more than anything, just keep on playing how we are at the moment.”
On the ability to experiment with the team…
“I think now is the time to play about. The pressure is off now. It’s not all about entertaining, it’s about getting the points and like I’ve said before I want my players to pass the ball and create chances but sometimes you have to dig in.”
On the threats Blackpool pose…
“They’re a strong team and they’ve got some good players with experiences. They’ve got lads up front with pace who will be hard to play against, The pitch wont be great, but I’m not going to make an excuses before we go there. It’s going to be a really tough game.”
On the away fans who are expected to turn up in numbers…
“It will be a great following and they will be vocal, but most importantly I want them to enjoy themselves and we want to get the three points for them. It’s just down the road, it’s like a home game."