Rob Tuvey believes that there are clear signs of progress being made under our new manager Johnnie Jackson.
We set off for this evening’s encounter at Mansfield still unbeaten in League Two and our first-team coach was encouraged by the response at Monday’s training session after the squad let victory slip through their fingers on Saturday.
“There have been lots and lots of positives,” said Rob. “Obviously, it’s been very frustrating this past week to concede late goals and we can’t get away from that, but we see that we are improving all the time. Especially with the detail that has gone into trying to give us the identity that we want. We're really seeing that coming together."
“As a team, we have to hurt after Saturday’s draw with Doncaster. It was in our hands and we were frustrated with the end of the game, so we have to be frustrated as a team. Since Nathan Young-Coombes has come in, he has shown a great work ethic and a real understanding and he wants to get better every day. We’re really pleased with him, Paris Maghoma, and all the young players so far.
“I’m really enjoying it and learning all the time. The gaffer has given me license to get on the grass and put some ideas out as well, so I’m loving it so far and I can’t speak more highly of the gaffer and Skivo since they’ve come in. They’ve brought a real fresh approach to it, and you can see around the place that we’re all really together and a close unit.”
Mansfield have been beaten at early pacesetters Salford City and Leyton Orient, but they contain a threat and a familiar face known to all of us.
“They’re a really good side,” added Rob. “They were unfortunate in the play-offs last season. We watched their game on Saturday and they were unfortunate not to come away with anything. They dominated large parts of the game, so we know the task that we have and we’ve got to try and impose ourselves and hopefully come away with three points."
“Anthony Hartigan has been a great servant to this football club and someone who came through our Academy - we’re all very proud of him. For 90 minutes on Tuesday though, we will try to make sure he doesn’t enjoy it and then afterwards we will wish him all the best for the season.”
While we have no fresh injury concerns for the game, several long-term injured players are starting out on the way back to full fitness. Young defenders Huseyin Biler (knee), Josh Hallard (ankle) and Luke Jenkins (hamstring), plus midfielder Alex Woodyard (calf), are all in the early stages of their recoveries.
You can see the full interview with Rob Tuvey below, via the link to our official YouTube channel.