Manager on Saturday's game
Darrell Clarke will not be allowing his side to get carried away after improved performances over the weekend.The manager knows that there is still a lot of hard work needed if his team are going to continue to make progress.
He said: “It was a positive Bank Holiday weekend, but that is all it has been. We have got to keep going and not get carried away. There is a lot of hard work ahead.
“We have picked up four points at home, Halifax have won their first five games, so it will be a tough game, but we look forward to it. I think our fans will be there in their numbers as always.”
Halifax come to the Memorial Stadium in good form, but Darrell hopes that his side can be the first team to pick up points against them this season.
He said: “They have had a really positive start, so let’s hope they are due a loss.
“They are organised and well drilled, and they did well last season. They know what this league is about.
“We have had them watched a couple of times, and we know quite a bit about them, but we have to be prepared for any scenario. You never get the same game twice.
“It doesn’t matter if you are playing top of the league or bottom of the league, they are all tough games, so I won’t be getting carried away that Halifax are coming into town. We will respect their strengths and
concentrate on our game.”
Darrell would like to see a new face added to the squad before the transfer window closes, but he is also keen to see a more settled squad.
He said: “I would like to bring in another face, at least, before the window closes.
“There has been a massive transformation of players over the summer, and sometimes that can take a little bit of time to gel.
“The spirit in the squad is very good, and nobody was more disappointed than the players, especially after the Altrincham game.
“There is still plenty of improvement in those lads, it is a learning curve and you have to keep learning and improving.
“I am sure if we can get a bit of momentum together we will start climbing the table pretty quickly.”
The manager was keen to stress that Ryan Brunt is not being frozen out.
He said: “Ryan has been out a long time, I thought he was miles off in the Altrincham game, but he has not been cold shouldered by me.
“Ellis Harrison has had a good pre-season and been doing well in training, and Ryan has been off the pace a bit – but that can all change.
“I brought Adam Cunnington in because he is experienced at this level, I have not brought him in to replace Ryan Brunt.
“I am sure Ryan will get more opportunities, but my job as manager is to pick players who are performing and who are right for the occasion.”
And in team news, Mark McChrystal will be assessed over the next two days to determine his fitness for Saturday.
For the full interview, visit Gas Player.