Stephen Crainey took control of his first game as Interim Head Coach of Fleetwood Town as they drew 2-2 away to AFC Wimbledon.
The interim boss spoke to the press after his side fought back late on to earn a draw. Ged Garner opened the scoring on the day, just after Callum Morton’s strike was flagged offside after hitting the back of the net.
Callum Johnson then made a difference before the end as his header meant the points would be shared on the afternoon at Plough Lane.
Here’s what he had to say:
On the result…
“I thought the lads were outstanding throughout the match. Going 1-0 up, I thought we were comfortable at half-time, but credit to Wimbledon as they put us under a little bit of pressure and got a couple of goals.
“I thought we got our just rewards and we deserved at least a point if not three points to be honest. The way we finished the game in the last 10 minutes of stoppage time, I thought we looked strong fitness-wise as well, but the character and the commitment that the lads showed, I’ll take that every day.
“I just asked them to give me intensity, off the ball and on the ball, and I think they did that today. They are a bit disappointed that we’ve not won the game but if you don’t win the game, you make sure you don’t lose it and that’s what we did today.
“There was real desire and determination from the group today which was really pleasing. I want the group to take that moving forward, not just in the games but implement that in training.”
On the work put into the squad…
“The lads took on board the instructions and the formation that I wanted to implement on the game, and they’ve been outstanding, listening to the messages, and I thought they took that into the match today.
“I reiterated in training on Thursday that it’s not just an 11, it’s a whole squad effort and I think that showed in the game today. Lads were disappointed they didn’t play in the game but the response from the subs shows that there is a real togetherness in this group.
“Hopefully, we can keep improving; I think there’s more to come, and I want more, but it’s a good start and hopefully we can pick up loads of points moving forward.
“They’re a good group of players and I’ve always known that. There’s a good blend of youth and experience in the group and we move onto Bolton on Tuesday and hopefully get a positive result.”