Head Coach Stephen Crainey spoke to the press ahead of his side’s final game of the season against Bolton Wanderers at the University of Bolton Stadium on Saturday.
It all comes down to the last game to secure safety in Sky Bet League One for the Cods as they currently sit a place outside the relegation zone, with only Bolton in their way before the end of the season. Crainey and the squad will be heading down the road to Greater Manchester in the hope to pick up all three points and retain their league status for next year.
Here’s what Stephen had to say:
On the final game of the season…
“It’s a one-game season now and that’s how we are looking at it. It’s still in our own hands; if we go to Bolton and win then we stay in this league, regardless of what happens anywhere else, so we need to focus on what we do and make sure we turn up on the day. it’s going to be a tough game as they are a good side at home, with a big crowd, so we are hoping the lads can withstand the pressure and get over the line.
“I think we’ve got to show courage, bravery, and the ability to take the ball in pressurised situations in the game on Saturday. We will be brave and will look to take the ball in tight areas and will handle the occasion. Hopefully, we can dominate the game and bring home those vital three points.
“Bolton are going to want to finish on a high and I think with it being a home game, they are going to want to show the supporters what they have got for the upcoming season. We want to go and win the game – that is our main focus over the next few days – we are going there to win the game at the weekend.”
On Paddy Lane’s recent award…
“Since Paddy [Lane] has come into the building, he’s been outstanding. He’s been consistent when he’s been playing and has fully merited his award [League One Young Player of the Season], but it’s disappointing that he’s going to be missing the final game of the season. In terms of his contributions this season, he has been outstanding for us.
“He trained with us in the Under-23s side when he first came into the building, and I said that day that we should sign him. I saw something straight away, he’s got a great attitude, a great left foot, and has done things to a tee. He’s contributed a lot to the group, his goals and assists have helped contribute this season.
“He’s a top footballer who is going to be attracting interest because of how well he’s done, but we want to keep him at the club as long as we can. It’s not just Paddy that’s a good young player, we have a whole group of young lads here at this football club who have great potential.”
On it going down to the final day…
“It is what it is, we’ve not got to show any negative feelings, but the reality is that it’s gone down to the final day of the season. We need to focus on getting a good result against Bolton and that’s what is in our mindset. We are going to need everyone on our ‘A-game and that’s what we will be looking to do.
“Joe [Garner] has shown that fight and passion in the last couple of games and we need everyone in the building to show the same feelings and they have been to be fair to them. Joe has scored two in two so hopefully, he can take that form and add another on Saturday and help us get over the line.
“I thought the application in the game was good yet, but the way we conceded those two goals in the second half was disappointing. We responded after that and tried to get the equaliser and, unfortunately for us, we didn’t get it. The application was spot on in the group and we need to replicate that on Saturday if we are going to get something out of the game against Bolton.”