Harrogate Town AFC

Watch the Gaffer's pre match press conference as we get set to take on Grimsby Town...



The Gaffer on if he's surprised with how tight the league table is...
 
"Yes. It's an incredible league. You can never count on anyone doing you a favour to get a result. Everyone is capable of beating anyone and that's just the level this season.

"We've just got to win our own battles and games in order for us to stay clear of the bottom pack."
 
On Lloyd Kerry...
 
"He was brilliant, he's been out of the team for a bit after his suspensions but he's been superb in training and we know he'd be bang if needed from the bench.

"He was very calm and sometimes you need that in a guy. We've said it's a warzone at times, especially in midfield but he knew went to put his foot on the ball and we started building attacks more readily when he was on the pitch." 
 
On Joe Cracknell's rehab...
 
"Good to see Joe back in the fold. The lads and staff all love Joe, he's a good character and it's good to get him in the training ground working his way back to full fitness." 
 
On Grimsby's last visit to Harrogate...
 
"It's going back a few years but they were full time, top of the National League and a really good outfit in their shape, similar to what we do now. We learned a few lessons that day but I'd to think we've evolved since then and we know it will be a hard game."
 
On the roadmap for fans to return...
 
"It'll be a massive tonic once the fans are back. There's now light at the end of the tunnel and it'll make such a difference in every ground. 
 
"We've had one game this season above 700 fans and that was for 10 minutes against Carlisle. The atmosphere within the stadium was completely different and we've got to make sure while it's quiet in the stadiums, we create our own atmosphere and finish as high as possible for when they return."
 
On facing Grimsby on Saturday...
 
"I respect Paul Hurst. He was my manager AT Ilkeston Town several years ago. He's very methodical, calm and knows what he wants to do. He'll bring that edge to the side no doubt.

"They've brought a few senior payers in and they'll be buoyed from their victory against Crawley. We expect throws into the box and a physical match.

"It's a decent mix so we have to be right on it again and that's the challenge of this level; repeat the effort and intensity each game. One blip and you can lose it." 
 
On looking for four home wins in five games..
 
"That's got to be the aim for us. We had a poor record first half of the season, that was easy to recognise but the lads have grabbed it since.

"Last few games we've been more of a force and we need to continue to be one. We have to be right at it Saturday, be energetic, put balls in the box and put them under pressure and drive them back."
 
#ProudToBeTown