Harrogate Town AFC

Watch the Gaffer's pre Forest Green interview here…
 


The Gaffer reflecting on last weekend's Supporter Thank You Day…

I think right from before the game and to the final whistle it was a really good day for the club. A sunny day which hasn't happened too many times in recent months and I think it was apt, really, because the warmth coming from the supporters was conveyed to the players before the game. I think that spirit between the players and the synergy between the players and fans was brilliant and I think it definitely gave the players a boost. They broke down barriers and the fans were really behind them like a partisan support on Saturday. To score the goals we did as well was it was good.

I think the pressure's been relieved knowing that we've achieved safety and that perhaps helped a little bit, but I also thought the players played with real freedom last week and it was epitomised with the final goal. That passing sequence was really pleasing on the eye and people are still talking about it this week but definitely the support helped. As I say, it broke down barriers and once you get to know people just that little bit more from being close up and lads engaging in conversations, I think it does help with that chemistry between the players and the fans.

On whether Forest Green have been the best League Two team this season…

Overall, it's hard to build a case for them not to have been the best team. I think all the stats point to that and they'll be wanting to finish off as champions. They've had a real good, strong structure and not changed much throughout the season. They've had a bit of misfortune with Stevens missing out the last few games, but other than that they've been able to name pretty much a consistent line up and that line up has been strong enough to gain promotion.

On preparations for Saturday's trip to Forest Green…

We care about the supporters coming to watch us and we want to play with real pride and conviction. Although they've accumulated a lot more points than us, we're a professional football team and we want to go there and get the points.

There's undoubted pressure on players when they've got mortgages to pay and kids at home to support. It's imperative that everyone gives there all until the last ball is kicked.

On away support this season…

I mean it's been great throughout the season and been right behind us and I think it just opened our eyes to be honest, that last Saturday, with the warmth from the terraces and before the game it was just it was just great, especially the youngsters that were there with their autograph books, it just made you feel part of something that's progressing.

#ProudToBeTown