Harrogate Town AFC

Watch Paul Thirlwell's pre-match press conference as we prepare to come up against a former side of his…



Thirlwell on pre-season preparations…

Yeah it's been good from that point of view that the lads could have a really good break and come back in really refreshed and ready to go.

They all came back in great condition and it's been a real good pre-season so far.
It's been getting them up to speed really, at this point. We've had some really good games and the lads are ready to work hard every day.

The key messages as the games move on you look at stuff a bit more tactically but at the minute it's just about getting minutes in their legs and getting that level right up for two weeks from now.

Assessing our pre-season matches so far…

We had a tough first game at Huddersfield and again, it's just about dusting the cobwebs off and getting back on the grass. It was a different type of game at Brighouse, which was really competitive as it always is.

The two games at home (Newcastle and Rotherham), the lads have really enjoyed as the pitch is in fantastic condition. They've really enjoyed moving the ball about and I think gradually we've got better each game, culminating the other night where we put in an excellent performance against Rotherham.

On facing Sunderland, a club Thirlwell spent seven years at as a player…

Yeah it will be nice. Anytime you play Sunderland, it's the same with the Gaffer when we play Sheffield Wednesday this season, you do get that extra buzz and it's only natural when it's against a team you've supported all your life and one that I was lucky to play for as well.

I'm looking forward to it and I'm sure they'll bring lots of fans down and make lots of noise as they always do. Hopefully our fans will come out in their numbers as I'm sure they will and hopefully it'll be an enjoyable game and performance for ourselves.

On having fans back in the EnviroVent Stadium…

It was brilliant. Just when the lads come out, there's the little round of applause that we haven't had for what feels like forever. It certainly got a reaction from the players the other night and they did really well and the fans got behind them. It's always nice to get a goal and Luke got his so we're looking forward to another game.

On excitement building ahead of facing Rochdale on 7^th August…

I think everybody wants everyone fit and firing and as of today, we have a fully fit squad. That's where we want to be in two weeks' time (against Rochdale), that's the main aim and of course we want to put in some good performances as well, which we already have done. We're trying to get better and fitter every game, hopefully we'll be there in two weeks' time.  

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