The big day nears…
Gibbsy was at first team training this week to get the thoughts of manager, Neil Baker, and our resident shot stopper, Joe Slinn, ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup clash against Scunthorpe United.
Gibbsy: Well Neil, you’ll be no stranger to big games with your extensive background in non-league football management and of course from your time at Crewe, how have the preparations been for this one?
Bakes: Very good Chris, I have to say. Having a couple of free midweeks since we won in the last round has been a good thing as I’ve been able to get some quality time in training with the players working on patterns of play and preparing them for the massive challenge we have on Saturday.
Gibbsy: It’s a biggie.
Bakes: It certainly is but I have a lot of trust in this squad, and I know they will go out there and give an excellent account of themselves. We’ll just see where that takes us on the day, but they’ll be giving everything for this club without a doubt. It’s a great opportunity for us as all the pressure is on Scunthorpe.
Gibbsy: Anything different in the way you’ll be preparing the players?
Bakes: Not really Chris, no. What we’re doing is working so I’m happy to stick with that! The main thing is with the two clear midweeks that we’ve had since we beat Long Eaton we’ve been able to do more of what’s been working for us this season.
Gibbsy: And how’s the squad looking for the big day?
Bakes: We’re in excellent shape. The extra games we’ve had in the form of cup replays, which I was not necessarily so happy about at the time, have helped us. The match sharpness is there now and we’ve been lucky enough not to get injuries, which was always my worry.
Gibbsy: Are you excited about the game?
Bakes: I’ve been around a long time as you and I both know Chris, but you cannot replace the magic of the FA Cup and that’s especially true for non-league clubs as it can make a massive difference and gives everyone an enormous lift. Saturday will be a terrific day and we’ll go out there with no fear and give it everything we’ve got.
And then it was on to Slinny…
Gibbsy: Aye up big fella, how are you doing?
Slinny: I’m doing great thanks Gibbsy.
Gibbsy: Are you looking forward to the big one at the weekend then Slinny?
Slinny: I look forward to every game because playing for this club is a real privilege but yeah of course Saturday is a massive one for us – there’s no doubt about that.
Gibbsy: I know you’re a fairly relaxed sort of fellabut will there be some nerves ahead of the game Saturday.
Slinny: As you know, I’m a pretty relaxed sort of character and maintaining that feeling is really important to me, as it is for any goalkeeper. We’ll go into the game really well prepared as we do for every game with the gaffer, so really there’s no need for us to feel nervous.
All the pressure will be on Scunthorpe – they’ll be fully expected to come here and win so if there are any nerves, they are more likely to be in theirchanging room than ours I would say.
Gibbsy: Confidence is high then?
Slinny: Definitely. I know we had a slip up at Sutton Coldfield last week but look at our season so far. We’re playing some terrific football and that’s why we’re here in the second qualifying round of the cup. I know this game means a lot to the club and it really means a lot to us players too and that’s why we’ll be going into Saturday trying to win this game just as we would any other.
Of course, they’ll start as massive favourites – they are the full-time professional club – but we’ve got a team spirit which says we’ve got a great chance and I believe that just as every other player in our dressing room does. We’re ready for this and cannot wait for Saturday!
Gibbsy: There’s a fine rallying call if ever one was needed, (ed. it wasn’t)! any special preparation unique to you that you’ll be making for Saturday at all big man?
Slinny: I’ll stick to the basics. I like some scrambled eggs before a game – that sets me up nicely and then I’ll just do my usual pre-match prep. I like to keep it simple Gibbsy.
Gibbsy: Good lad Slinny. We’re all rooting for youmate.
Just leave off the oatcakes until Sunday 🤪
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