Lewie Coyle was on press duty this Thursday morning ahead of the club’s Lancashire Derby match against Accrington Stanley this weekend.
Stanley come to Highbury Stadium on the back of good results since their promotion from Sky Bet League Two last season.
Coyle has been ever present since in Joey Barton’s squad since his return to the Fylde Coast in the summer and has helped the club secure clean-sheets against Oxford, Scunthorpe and Charlton, which the 22-year-old believes are key in any promotion contenders team.
Here are the key quotes from Lewie’s pre-match interview…
On what he expects from Accrington…
“They have had a good start to the season themselves and were recently promoted form League Two up to this league and what you see with them is what you get.
“Accrington are a great side and I know the lads are expecting a tough and physical game and we need to match that and look to pick up all three points.
“It’s important we are good at home and we have that habit where we are good away from home, but if we can win more games at home and we can make Highbury a fortress, we will win more games at home.”
On his performances so far…
“I feel I have done okay since I have come back and have played in majority of the games and picked off where I finished last season, but I won’t stand still as I will never accept mediocre.
“I am always striving to be better and if I can help the team in any way shape or form and help contribute to us winning games of football, I will do that and it has helped because I came back needing to impress the new manager.
“It is pleasing that they have taken a liking to me and that is part and parcel of football and you need to do what you can and hope you get picked on a matchday.”
On the atmosphere inside the camp…
“It has been a fantastic start by us and one that hasn’t surprised us as we knew we were well prepared in pre-season. There’s a feel good factor inside the group and from that we have had the start that we wanted, and it could have been ever better.
“Every day we are improving a group and we are constantly looking in a forward direction, and that goes a long well in terms of what the new staff and coaching team have brought since they came in."