Boss on final day of the season...
IT WAS good to complete our home games on a winning note last weekend and now we will be looking to end the season by extending our current unbeaten run as we go to Champions, Bristol City.It will be nice to have a full squad to choose from once again; Adam Chambers took a bit of a knock behind his knee in the last game but he has been back in training over the past couple of days.
There are some selection headaches, but the players who have grabbed the shirts have certainly held on to them tightly in recent weeks. There is massive competition for places and that is driving the players on.
It's sad in many ways that the season is coming to a close because our recent form has been very good.
I am disappointed that we've not been able to finish in the top six, of course, but we'll end this season with more points than last year and it looks as though we'll also finish higher up the table, plus as well as this we've had a Wembley appearance.
It's been a challenging season; we had our fair share of injuries early on in what is a tough, competitive League. We've worked hard to get where we are and there is no doubt that we've made forward strides.
The young players have gained valuable experience and for people like Anthony Forde and Tom Bradshaw, this is their first run of games. Also, Jordan Cook missed most of pre-season through injury and Sam Mantom has only just returned from his injury problems.
We'll go there looking to win the game, as we always do. It's not about revenge for the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Final. We're looking forward to the occasion in front of a full house.
Steve Cotterill has done a really good job this season and the club is moving in an upward direction. They will be keen to sign off in style, but for us it is about professionalism and wanting to finish the season strongly and as high up the table as possible.
The support that we have received throughout the season has been fantastic and I would like to thank out fans most sincerely.
DEAN