Head Coach Simon Grayson spoke to the press ahead of his side’s Sky Bet League One clash against Rochdale at Highbury on Saturday afternoon.
Grayson – who has recently been nominated for the League One’s Manager of the Month award – saw his side prevail in their last outing, which ended in a 1-0 win over AFC Wimbledon on Easter Monday, and he is looking to build on that result when Dale travel to the Fylde Coast at the weekend.
Here’s what Simon had to say in his pre-match press conference:
On the upcoming game…
“Rochdale have always played an attractive style of football, going back to Keith Hill and David Flitcroft when they were there, and those who have taken over since, and we have to be aware of whatever style of football they are going to play.
“Much like Wimbledon were, Rochdale can cause you major threats if you aren’t at it, competing and asking questions of the opposition. The players are desperate for their football club to be in League One next year, and they will be fighting for their futures, whether that be at the club, or elsewhere.
“We make sure to analyse games against teams we are coming up against, so we know what to expect. We’ll make sure we are aware of the situations, but ultimately, we want to implement our ideas and focus on what we need to do to be better on Saturday.”
On the squad…
“Over the Easter period, I think we got the balance right, being in when they need to and, also, having a couple of days off. We’ve picked up a few knocks, but we will assess everyone this morning.
“For the players to throw their bodies on the line against Wimbledon on Monday, after a tough game against Peterborough on the Friday, shows that the squad has what it takes to compete until the end of the season.
“I always tell the players to be ready when they are called upon. They have come into the side at times when they have least expected it, and I think that substitutes that came off the bench in the Wimbledon positively affected the game for us, which is why we ended up winning it in the end.
“You want your players to still have some intensity in their game. When you look at how we’ve played in terms of the attitude, work rate, and desire, they’ve been there in every game since I joined the football club.”
Watch Simon’s interview on our iFollow HERE.