Smith ready for Iron challenge...
WE HEAD to Scunthorpe United on Saturday determined to pick up our first League victory of the season.We know that if our performances are good enough, the results will follow, and the lads have been working extremely hard and have played some good football so far this season.
The manner in which we conceded goals against Crystal Palace on Tuesday disappointed me; in terms of keeping the ball, we did it better than them but we didn't hurt them enough.
This squad excites me. There is great competition all over the pitch and this will further increase when the injured lads return.
To have the likes of Jordan Cook, Sam Mantom, Ben Purkiss and James Chambers on the treatment table has been frustrating. Sam played in a training game on Wednesday and came through it with no problems, whilst it was nice to see Jordan and Ben on the training field this week as they close in on a return over the next few weeks.
It will be a real boost to have this kind of quality available again and decisions will have to be made on who to play and who to leave out, but it's a good position to be in.
On Saturday we come up against a Scunthorpe United side who are also looking for their first win since they gained promotion at the end of last season.
I know their manager, Russ Wilcox well; he's a good guy and is the first to admit that they have found League One a tough competition. That said, everyone is capable of beating each other on their day and he will have his side ready for us.
It promises to be a real battle as we face a side who went on a long unbeaten run last term.
We were delighted to be able to add Mathieu Manset to our squad earlier this week. He gives us something different in terms of presence and I feel that he will fit into our style and the way we do things here.
He maybe lost his way a little during his time at Reading, but I am hopeful that this is the place where he can really make his mark. This is a good environment for him to come into. We help players fulfil their potential but at the same time they have to be prepared to work hard and be part of a team.
I have a good feeling about this signing and feel that he can do well for us.
Thank you to those supporters who will be making the trip up to Glanford Park. Your backing, as ever, will be so important to us.
DEAN SMITH