Terry Skiverton has explained how our first team staff and players dealt with an historic time for the country, whilst preparing for a visit from fifth place Northampton tonight.
It’ll have been ten days since we were last in action, falling to a disappointing defeat at Stockport by a single goal, and the squad are keen to make amends as well as pay their respects to her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II this evening.
“For us it will be a great occasion, one where we’ll show our respects, but then we’ll have a game to play,” said our Assistant Manager. “We’ve got to make sure that we’re professional and do the best job that we can.
“It’s been a strange time, very surreal initially, and the training session on Friday was a bit flat, but the manager addressed that. The boys have been really good for the last couple of days - so we’re all ready to go.
“We had the day off on Saturday, so I went and paid my respects with my children, my three boys, and we just took a walk around. With the amount of people that came out, and I’m very patriotic myself, I felt it was right to go there with my family.”
Boss Johnnie Jackson will have plenty of options to choose from, and even those who are ruled out are making good progress. Goalkeeper Nathan Broome (foot) was already back outside diving around in a protective boot on Monday, while captain Alex Woodyard (calf) has been picking up the pace of his return.
“Selection headaches are always good!” said Terry. “We’re looking to put that into practice and pick the right team for the game. ‘Woody’ is out on the training pitch and he’s running. He’s been a big miss. He’s an excellent football player, brilliant character around the place, and he’s the leader. When he comes back it’ll be like a new signing for Johnnie and me."
“Normally we’d have prepared Thursday and Friday for the Leyton Orient game, but with that postponed, we came in on Sunday, as well as Monday, to get the same amount of work in for Northampton. Leyton Orient play totally different to Northampton, so we’ve had to have that change around, but still make sure that we are re-energised and re-focused for the game.
“It’ll be tough. I know a few of Northampton’s players such as Sam Hoskins and Mitch Pinnock (pictured above), who was with us in the past. They’ve got some very good, experienced players. Danny Hylton hasn’t figured so much lately, but has a wealth of experience. I know the way that their manager Jon Brady will set-up against us, and they’ll be organised and strong. There will be a lot of penalty box entries and we need to stand up to that, as well as play our own game.
“It’s one that we’re really looking forward to, because it will be a real battle out there. Both teams will try to dominate the centre of the pitch and we need to make sure that we’re up for that as it will be a stiff test.”
You can see an extensive interview with Terry Skiverton below, via the link to our official YouTube channel.
Live commentary of this match has not yet started.
key moments
Updated at
There are currently no key moments to display.