Boss ready for the League leaders...
AS WE prepare to face the League leaders, the good news is that everyone, with the exception of Sam Mantom, is available for selection.It was good to see Ben Purkiss come through a full game for the reserves in midweek, whilst Jordan Cook also got 65 minutes under his belt.
The good news with Sam is that he is getting back on track and edging ever nearer to a return. The injury has taken longer than expected to overcome, but progress is being made and its moving in the right direction.
It means that I have a number of options available to me and this is a good position to be in, particularly as we prepare to face a Bristol City side that have started the season extremely well and are currently unbeaten.
They are one of the fancied sides in this League and it's easy to see why; they have a strong squad and it will be a stern test for us.
They've had a settled squad for most of the season and have a lot of quality within their ranks, but so do we and I feel that we've certainly entertained our supporters in the last two home games.
There was a good feeling amongst the lads last weekend and we're similarly upbeat this time around and can't wait to get out there.
We've kept five clean sheets already this season and have started scoring goals, so things are coming together for us.
We know that we will need to be at our best on Saturday, but with a large and vocal crowd in attendance, it will give us a real lift.
The reaction that I have had since the defeat at Rochdale has been excellent and credit must go to the lads for their response.
This week we've had the news that Tom Bradshaw is on standby for the Wales squad, whilst Liam Kinsella in on standby for the Republic of Ireland. Romaine Sawyers has also been called up for St. Kitts & Nevis once more and will travel on Sunday, missing our games at Rochdale and Oldham.
It's great for the lads to get this kind of recognition; Tom has looked hungry for goals this season and has work-rate has certainly endeared him to the fans. Liam meanwhile has stepped up to the plate and done fantastically well for us.
It's great for players at this level to go and play for their country and we can't stand in their way. It shows that we are doing something right here.
DEAN SMITH