John Sheridan has spoken to the media ahead of Saturday’s final match of the season against Walsall at Highbury.
The match will also be Sheridan’s final one in the home dugout, as he leaves the club after guiding the club to League One safety.
Read below the key quotes from his press conference at Poolfoot Farm…
On his time in charge…
“It’s been very enjoyable. I knew what the case was when I first met the chairman and as far as my aim, it’s job done. We’ve achieved the goal [staying in the division], after nine games following the win at Oxford.
“I must give full credit to the players, who responded to a new manager coming in and picked up the results quickly. If anything, we’ve taken the foot off the pedal in the last couple of games, but I can’t fault what they’ve done. It was massively important that the club stayed in League One.”
On Walsall…
“They’ve always been a good footballing side. They are similar to ourselves in the fact that a new manager has gone in there and picked up results – they’ve done brilliant to pick up four points from the last two games.
“They were in a sticky situation but ended up staying in the division. I’m sure they’ll want to win, and I want our players to finish the season on a high by winning.”
On being professional on Saturday…
“I want us to go onto the pitch on Saturday and win the game. It’s about being professional, and both teams are playing for pride and to win the match.
“I want to win every game. I think performances haven’t been as good [in the last couple of games], and we’ve not been as solid and I’d like us to be.”
On a stand out moment as Fleetwood Town head coach…
“There probably isn’t one. The good thing about the first couple of games is that we came from behind against MK Dons and Plymouth, and showed a bit of character.
“We started keeping clean sheets which was important. I know that I played a couple of players out of position – but luckily for me, because we were winning or drawing, you can get away with it. I think the subs as well have impacted the games when they’ve come on.
“I’d probably say Paddy’s goal at Rochdale was a massive moment for me, when we beat them 2-0. It was massive as they were in and around us at the same time.”
On the atmosphere inside Highbury for his final match on Saturday…
“I just want to enjoy the game and win it. If we win the game, it might lift us two or three places in the league, and if we can finish higher up that’ll be great.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time here, there’s no regrets and I leave on good terms.”