Harrogate Town AFC

Watch the Gaffer's pre Swindon interview here…
 


The Gaffer on Mark Oxley's injury…

It's a shocker. I think he's done well for us, been a really good presence in the changing room and really well-liked, so for his season to end in this way is bitterly disappointing.

On the opportunity for Cracknell…

Another positive character and been with us for years. He's trained ever so well so he'll be ready for the challenge.

Reflecting on Salford…

I knew straightaway that we'd been playing a good game. The chances came our way and we didn't take them but largely as a team, I couldn't really complain and I think that's why we got clapped off from our fans, because they understood that we put on a good show.

On another day probably earlier in the season, we might have knocked four or five past them, but it wasn't the case. We had to pick ourselves up but it was important for the lads to know that they took a well-established team to the brink and could quite easily have won the game.

On the involvement of academy duo Emmanuel Ilesanmi and Finn O'Boyle…

I think it (the Academy) has been coming on a treat. So many of the academy lads on and off the pitch have been aligned to we want as a club. Their dedication levels, they're turning into good, young pros and the behaviour standards are absolutely top notch.

We'd expect that with them working under two good guys in Paul (Stansfield) and Josh (Law) but they're really developing fast. It's encouraging when you see young lads on the bench and be part of the vision to produce our own talented young players into the first team.

On taking confidence from the reverse fixture against Swindon...

It was a long time ago, but they have a similar group of players. We'll have a good go at it tomorrow and probably overplay the ‘have a ago' because it's not just turning up and seeing if we do okay, we're going to be professional about it.  

We've prepared all week for it, identified the strengths and where we think we could perhaps break up play and we want to make life hard for them. We've got full respect for them, that's why we've prepared right.

On Swindon's promotion chances…

Credit to them for being up there throughout the season. They're all the top teams, the table doesn't lie, they warrant those positions and it'll be a scrap for them. With that brings pressure on all of them.

On excitement ahead of the Good Friday fixture

These are big teams; Swindon and Northampton. Forest Green in the way they've made it to the top over the years have become a big club at this level. We're going to have to work hard, that's for sure.nI can count on these lads because they've been brilliant in training and I truly believe in them, in their efforts and there's a good bond among them as well. No one's put their defences up and pointed the finger at people when we've reflected on games in this room, we've got such an honest group.

I'm really looking forward to Friday. The weather helps and we've turned up to training today and everybody's been up for it, they can guarantee that for hopefully a lot of supporters turning up tomorrow. Certainly we will be encouraging them, they're a good group and I think if we can gain a win tomorrow it really gives that boost of confidence that all sportsmen need.

#ProudToBeTown