Fleetwood Town forward Paddy Lane spoke to the media ahead of Saturday’s Sky Bet League One clash against Plymouth Argyle.
Lane – who has been given the no.11 shirt for the 2022/23 season – featured last weekend in the opening match against Port Vale, and knows the team need to show a reaction on Saturday when the Green Army come to town.
Here is what Paddy had to say:
On this weekend’s opponents…
“It’s massive this weekend that we show the fans the form we were showing in pre-season, because as a group we thought we had a good one and we go into every game full of confidence. We don’t go into it with a negative mindset.
“We were confident last weekend against Port Vale and did have that positive start so hopefully we can take that into the game against Plymouth.”
On last weekend’s match against Port Vale…
“It was the start that we wanted and when we got back in on the Monday, we spoke about it as a group, and we all know that as individuals we weren’t good enough. This week we have been putting in even more work in on the training ground to go and sort that out this weekend. We want to bounce back and show the fans exactly what we are about.
“Like everyone saw last weekend, we started off well and that was huge positive and, in the end, it was two sloppy goals that cost us and that’s all it is. We have moved on from last season, it has been forgotten about and this season isa new era and with the new staff we’ve taken on board what they want to get across and it has been superb for us this pre-season.
“It has been frustrating for all parties, but we all know we will bounce back!”
On last year’s awards and the pressures it brings…
“Everyone wants a season better than the last one and for me I fancy myself to get a couple of goals and assists and see where that can take us this campaign. I am someone who doesn’t always look into the numbers, I just try and play the best I can and hopefully that’s enough to get the points this weekend.
“It was a massive achievement to get the awards I did last season, but I don’t feel the pressure to go and replicate, that’s because I have the support from my teammates as well as the backing from the staff, and for me, I am just looking forward to the season.
On working with Scott Brown thus far…
"The gaffer has been superb since he came in and he’s come in with Whitts [Steven Whittaker] and kept staff on like Barry Nicholson so there has been a lot of positivity around the place this summer.
“That positivity helps players massively and we’ve been learning and take on board the best way to play and he’s changed our confidence and mindset. It was a tough season for us all last year and since his arrival, he has rejuvenated us and got us playing the way we want to play and that is shown with our pre-season results.”
Get ready for the new season with an Onward Card
Make sure you are in the stands to watch the Cods during the 2022/23 Sky Bet League One season by getting your very own Onward Card. Adult tickets start at just £14.17 a month and Under-16s from just £1.92 a month. Details on this season's cards are HERE.