Harrogate Town AFC

Watch the Gaffer's pre-match press conference as we get set to return to action against Barrow on Saturday afternoon…
 


The Gaffer on being back at the training ground…

We're delighted to be back and see the players again. It feels like ages since we last saw them and it's halted proceedings but it's great to be back now. It almost feels like the first day of pre-season, everyone acting a little different; some come in bouncing, others a little bit more shy but they're a fantastic group and we've missed them all.

On the feeling after having games postponed…

Initially it was a feeling of frustrating and deflation really. We'd come off the back of a really good opening day win and the circumstances of a last minute winner from Warren as well. It was a blow but it's not insurmountable.

Covid is part of our everyday life now so people getting it wasn't a total surprise and I think we've reacted strongly to it. The players have rested up and come through the worse of it now and we're looking forward to a couple days training and a big game.

On what the lads have been doing during the last 10 days…

The lads who had to self-isolate couldn't go outside their front doors so they were very limited to what they could do. The rest of the lads have had gym sessions on Zoom as well as running sessions so they've kept themselves in really good nick.

The times for the 5k runs have been outstanding and even one of the lads who only stopped self-isolating a couple days ago, he was able to go for a run on Wednesday and came back with a time of 18mins 30 seconds which was pretty good so we're delighted with how they've come back.

On only having two sessions to prepare for Barrow…

I think we don't use Covid as an excuse, no matter what. We're firmly focused on the game and we've got that excitement in our stomach like how it was on the opening day. The crowd were exhilarating on that day and really lifted us all so we're really looking forward to getting back home and that's the lucky thing about it, the first game back is at home - a place we've got very good recent memories of.

On the analysis of Barrow…

It was a long trek to Barrow up through Skipton and a long trek back but it was a good game actually. 0-0 but full of action and the Barrow fans have been lifted by their team's first few performances. They're up for it and I think a bit more physical this season, and under Mark Cooper they have a lot of experience.

But, we also think we have a lot in our ranks which can allow us to have a real good go at them and play our way. It'll be great to have the fans behind us like against Rochdale and to win would be great, especially in the circumstances.

On the importance of the fans on Saturday…

With some of our players being couped up, they could be blowing a bit as the games goes on. This is when we really need our fans who are the driving force behind us. I'm sure they will be as they know what we've been through.

#ProudToBeTown