Interim Head Coach Stephen Crainey spoke to the media on Thursday afternoon ahead of his side’s Sky Bet League One clash against Gillingham at Highbury.
Crainey saw his first win since taking interim charge of the side on Tuesday evening as Town managed to beat Bolton Wanderers 3-0 at Highbury, thanks to a Ged Garner opener and a late Harrison Biggins brace – and he will be hoping to build on this as the Gills travel to the Fylde Coast.
Here’s what Stephen had to say ahead of the game:
On Saturday’s clash against Gillingham…
“Gillingham have a mixed balance, they can go direct, and they can also play some good football on the ground as well, but we think we can match them – hopefully we can do that as it’s easier said than done. The lads need to go onto the pitch and implement that learning, put a stamp on the game, and come away with another three points.
“The conditions were tough during the game against Bolton on Tuesday, I thought we adapted to them well and to a man, we were outstanding. Even the substitutions came on and impacted the game and I thought we deserved the three points in the end.
“The players’ mentality should always be to get three points on the board, and they need to maintain that focus. Their application daily has been spot on and I felt as if that win was coming because of the previously mentioned points. The lads deserved it and they are all looking forward to what will be a tough game against Gillingham on Saturday.”
On the players’ mood in training…
“It’s been a good experience that I’ve really enjoyed. I’ve had a good reaction from the group and long may that continue. Even in the previous games, we’ve been unlucky so hopefully, this win over Bolton will kickstart our season now.
“The players have come in with smiles on their faces and that’s what I want every day regardless, and they’ve all trained hard so hopefully we can repeat Tuesday’s performance against Gillingham on Saturday.
“We’ve started prepping for the game on Saturday with the lads all in a buoyant mood after the win and that breeds confidence in the camp. That game is done now, and I reiterated that to the group this morning, if we don’t win on Saturday, Tuesday doesn’t count in my eyes.”