Defender Callum Connolly spoke to the press on Thursday afternoon ahead of Fleetwood Town’s Sky Bet League One clash with local rivals Accrington Stanley on Saturday.
Connolly – who has been an important figurehead in amongst the Cod Army ranks so far this season – captained the side on Tuesday against Sunderland and the 23-year-old is looking to lead his side to all three points this weekend.
On Saturday’s game…
"It’s a big game, obviously following up from Tuesday we want to get the win. All the lads were buzzing when they were coming in for training today with it being a derby game, everyone’s looking forward to it.
“I know a few of the lads there and they are doing very well at the minute. We were looking at the table and saw where they were with four games in hand on us. We need to make sure that we focus on ourselves in the game and crack on from there. We’re going to do everything possible to win on Saturday.
“We can’t be happy with where we are in the table, we’ve got to keep pushing every day and in training, you hear people saying they are working hard. The results aren’t showing at the minute but, everyone is doing their best for the club.
“Everyone was disappointed after Tuesday’s result; nobody likes getting beat. When you look at the stats, we were not our best but there were positives to take from the game. We’ve got to reflect on the negatives and make sure that doesn’t happen again.”
On recent performances…
“The gaffer has obviously shown his new philosophy and he wants to bring in his different ideas and it’s just adapting to that, but I think it’s going to click very soon. It’s always tough for a new manager has come in, showing his philosophy. I think everyone is enjoying working under him.
“Our performances have been alright lately but it’s all about the points on the board. In the last few games, we haven’t picked up maximum points and that’s a bit disappointing because everyone wants to get three points at the end of the day, but I think it’s a work in progress.
“I think we’ve got a team full of leaders, everyone’s got a presence, and everyone’s got a voice on the pitch and off the pitch. It was the first time I’ve been captain for a while on Tuesday and it’s a great honour being captain of a football club.
“It’s made me a bit hungrier, wanting to go out every week and perform knowing that your career is on the line because you are fighting for your next contract. You are going as hard as you can, and you are doing everything you can to make sure you aren’t cutting any corners. It was a proud moment for me – I’m happy that the gaffer gave it me on Tuesday, let’s see what happens on Saturday now.”