Ahead of Tuesday night’s league match, at home to Kettering Town (7:45 KO), manager Paul Smith has spoken about the fixture, the opposition and some important squad news…
“Kettering are having a tremendous season so far – they sit in the play off places, with games in hand on those around them and huge congratulations go to them on making the First Round Proper of the FA Cup.
Today, they signed last season’s top scorer Jonny Edwards for an undisclosed fee from St Ives, to add to ex-Premier League striker Nile Ranger.Â
As a club, they have had some trials and tribulations over the last few years but, by the looks of it, they are very much on the up again, and credit to those at the club for where they are at the moment, on and off the field.Â
We ourselves are in that transition period as a club that Kettering were perhaps in a couple of years ago – their transformation goes to show that if things are done correctly, you can come out the other end positively in time. They are going great guns, and this is a tough test.Â
We picked up a must needed point on Saturday at Banbury; just as important was the clean sheet, which came after conceding some poor goals of late.Â
The recent signings played their part, and their arrival gave the squad a boost.
I, as a manager who has been in the game a long time understands that, when things are going well, you get pats on the back and, when you go through a tough spell, you get daggers in the back. It’s been important to keep the players and staff positive; I never go over board with victories or losses – you have to remain positive and continue to believe in the hard work and processes you put in place. Saturday’s performance was very positive and it hopefully bodes well for the future.Â
In terms of the squad, Kieran Cook has decided to leave the club and return to Darlaston. He has struggled to cement a place in the first eleven and wants to have guaranteed starts, which he will get there – he is a great lad, who I thank for his efforts in a Sporting shirt.Â
Dylan Thomas has also left the club having been recalled from his loan with us by Walsall and Zac Powell has gone on a dual-registration to Westfields for a month to get some game time.Â
The rest of the squad have come through the weekend unscathed and we have a full compliment to pick from.