Harrogate Town AFC

Watch the Gaffer's pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's lunchtime kick-off against Bradford City…
 


The Gaffer on what he liked for our showing against Leyton Orient on Tuesday night…

We played with energy for 90 minutes, it was non-stop. The intensity was there for everyone to see  and there was a real edge to our game. The closing down was fast and furious and that's been one of our trademarks over recent seasons.

On whether Mark Beck will be fit for Saturday…

Not sure yet but we're confident he'll be fit.

On our last meeting with Bradford…

We've only been there (Valley Parade) once before and that was in the West Riding County Cup Final. To play Bradford for the first time in our history as a Football League club and at the same level as them, it was a highlight for us. To get the win made it even better and we'll be hoping to do the same on Saturday.

They're a lot stronger now though and the duo that have come in to manage the team have done a fantastic job and they strengthened in January as well. It's certainly going to be a big test.

On Bradford's league position…

They've done a lot of good just looking at their results. They've invested wisely in their squad with a lot more fire power with Vernam, Cook and Rowe all being added to the ranks. They've harnessed a growing understanding within the team so you've got to give them credit for that.

On Saturday being a 12.30pm kick-off…

We've set it up hopefully for a good Saturday evening following the lunchtime kick-off. We wanted the early kick-off as we don't want players to have to hang around all day in a hotel room or make the journey up later than usual.

There's a few question marks about sleeping patterns and eating pasta at 9am but I think we can get over that.

On the general feeling going into the match…

We're really looking forward to it and we know how important it is for supporters. There are more links, both teams are in Yorkshire. Connor Sellars is there who used to play for us, he's a great lad. Everyone will want to come out on top.

I think we can go into the game with confidence.  I'm more confident that our group can put in an energetic performance in our shape, be true to ourselves for the entirety of the game. I don't feel we carried anyone the other night and I don't think we can afford to.

We can't have one just doing his own thing, we can't have an edge not being there. We were more physical at the back against Leyton Orient, Steady brought a bit more guile up front and the midfield duo were themselves.

So we're hoping for more of the same, we need to bring a consistent edge and attitude to the table in the Yorkshire derby.

 #ProudToBeTown