Terry Skiverton has warned his players that the complete focus is Forest Green tomorrow - and they must not have one eye on Chelsea.
Having come down from League One last season, tomorrow’s visitors are currently third from bottom - in contrast to our position at the other end of the table - but Terry wants standards maintained over the Bank Holiday weekend.
“The biggest thing you always think about, in the back of your mind, is complacency,” said Terry. “We don’t want to be enjoying things too much. We still want it to be competitive, loads of blocking, tackling, runs forward and sprint recoveries. We’ve got to stay on it and drive standards.”
Terry was speaking after Friday’s training session at our New Malden base, and you can listen to the full interview and read a summary of the key points below.
What have you made of Forest Green’s start to the season, as they adjust to life in League Two?
We’ve been in that situation ourselves when we came down last season. Me and the gaffer know what that’s like, but we also know there was a turning point within that period.
They’re a good side and they’ve got some good players, players that I know such as Ryan Inniss. I know Troy Deeney through mutual friends. He’s a lovely guy, but a real competitor. With him coming into their team, he certainly brings that experience.
They’ve had a few sent off in recent games, which hasn’t helped, but their last win was an away game at Harrogate. They’re adjusting to the level, and we need to make sure we don’t fall into that trap of complacency.
Aron Sasu spoke earlier in the week in the build-up to this game. You must be pleased that his focus at such a young age is very much on this weekend?
I think that’s because of what the gaffer has instilled. There’s no talk of next week. The manager has been really focused on preparing the players so that they go into this game fighting, blocking, tackling, and running. If anybody has got their mind on anything else – they won’t be playing in that other game.
For us, it’s all guns blazing for Saturday. On Sunday, we can refocus and rejig, which we do for every other game. We're not going to be focused on more than the game in front of us and for us it’s a really big, important week in the league season.
With your connection as a player for Chelsea, does that even go for you too?
I’m not allowed to talk about it. If I mention it to the gaffer, I don’t think I’ll go! No, all focus is on tomorrow. We want to give our supporters that feeling that we’ve had – especially in the last couple of away games. We’re focused on that, so that we get that special feeling at Plough Lane.
It really is a settled squad at the moment, but the inevitable question will come up between now and the close of the transfer window next Friday evening – do you envisage any further activity?
I think we’re in a good place and the squad is in a good place. I think we all know we’re a bit thin on the ground and where we need a bit of help. There are discussions going on, but unless it’s the right fit - and better than what we’ve already got - then I think we’ll be passing up on a lot of opportunities.
However, if something comes up that the Club feels is right to move forward with – I still think there would be room to do some business.
Photos: Pro Sports Images.