Tom James wants Bristol Rovers to start a winning run after a victory over Newport County in the Severnside derby last weekend, with a trip to Crawley Town up next.
Nobody will forget the streak of triumphs the Pirates enjoyed under Steve Evans at the end of last term, with the Gas collecting eight straight wins before a 1-1 draw against Notts County on the final day.
After bouncing back from a defeat to York City with a thrilling 5-3 victory over the Exiles, the Gas want to make winning a habit. However, James knows there is still plenty to work on, with the Gas looking to sharpen up at the back.
Speaking to the media before the match, James reflected on his move to the Pirates and the upcoming game against Crawley.
FEEL-GOOD FACTOR AFTER NEWPORT VICTORY
"It helps the atmosphere. We want to build a winning mentality and get a run going, and it’s a good start to doing that on Saturday, bouncing back after York. So, we need to continue that now."
CONCEDING TOO MANY GOALS
"It’s definitely something that we’ve spoken about — tightening up at the back. I don’t think it’s an out-and-out defence issue; I think as a team we need to be better. We’re working on it and, as I said, we’ve spoken about it, so it’s about putting that into practice."
BALANCING DEFENCE AND ATTACK
"It’s a bit of a cliché, but it’s attack as a team, defend as a team. At the moment we’re going forward really well; we’re being clinical — we can still be more clinical — but getting clean sheets and nullifying their threats is what’s really going to take us up the league."
EVOLUTION OF THE FULL-BACK
"I think my role as a full back has changed a fair bit over the years — for the majority of full-backs, but for me as well. I’ve gone into midfield a bit more in the last couple of years at my old club.
"It’s something the coaches here have spoken about, that I’m free to do if the time’s right. So yeah, just picking my moments, whether going inside or getting down the outside as the typical full-back does. Whatever’s needed in the game is what I’m trying to do."
LEAVING LEYTON ORIENT
"I was at my old club for five years, so it was going to take me a little bit of time to get used to new faces — even remembering names to start with was tough. But I feel like I’m in a good place now. The group’s very welcoming and made it very easy for me and for all the other new boys. So yeah, getting to know them has been very simple, and I feel like I’m starting to do that on the pitch now as well."
WHY BRISTOL ROVERS
"I think the fact that Rovers are in League Two — that should never really be a thing. From bottom to top of the club, everyone’s going for the same goal of promotion. The record the gaffer’s got is straight away a massive reason to come to a club.
"Also, playing against Bristol Rovers over the years, you can see what the fans are like, especially at home. So, there were lots of different reasons, and yeah, I’m really happy I did it.
"My family has moved down now, which was a big thing, so that makes off-the-field stuff a lot easier. The boys have been top quality with me since coming in, so it’s been a pretty smooth transition, which is good."
CRAWLEY TOWN PREVIEW
"You don’t get any easy games in this league. It’s going to be a battle at times, and we’re going to be up against it. So, it’s a matter of sticking to our game plan, quieting them down, quieting the fans down, and putting our stamp on the game, and we should be alright."
IMPORTANCE OF CLEAN SHEETS
"If you get a clean sheet, you can’t lose. So that’s a good starting block to go from, and with the attacking players we’ve got on the pitch and the threat we have from set pieces, I’ve got no issues thinking we’re going to go there and get three points."
