Experienced coach focused on Shrews clash...
PROFESSIONAL Development Coach, John Ward insists the players will be firmly focused on tonight’s game with Shrewsbury Town following Dean Smith and Richard O’Kelly’s departure from the club.Ward, along with Jon Whitney and Neil Cutler have taken temporary charge of the side for tonight’s trip to Shropshire and 64-year old will call on his years of experience in management in a bid to continue our fine start to the season.
“It was a long day yesterday,” admitted Ward. “Dean and Richard obviously moved on but we’ve spoken to players and the Chairman has spoken to them as well and we all have a job to do.
“We took training yesterday in preparation of tonight’s game and it was a really bright session.
“The player’s were at it and their response has been first class but it’s nothing less than I’d expect from them.
“We’ll meet up with them today, which will give us another opportunity to prepare and go through a few things before tonight’s game.”
Having been assigned to oversee the progression of the clutch of youngsters at the club, Ward now finds himself back in the managerial hot seat for the first time since March 2014.
But despite boasting over two decades of experience at the helm, the former Lincoln City and Watford forward insists responsibility will be shared among the trio in charge.
“I’m relying on Jon and Neil because they’ve been involved with the first team more than I have,” he added. “But it’s important that we stick together as a group and we look forward to the next game.
“As it is I was watching Shrewsbury at the weekend so we know what to expect from them.
“I saw them beat Colchester 4-2 after being 0-2 behind at half time. They then went to Sheffield United and won by four goals and held Gillingham on Saturday in what was a very good game.
“We’ve had them watched a few times before as well so we’ve been as thorough as we can be in our build up.
“They’ll be confident going into the game but we’re excited by the challenge.
“The players have responded brilliantly so far and the most important bit is that they’re focused on the match, which they are.
“We know it’s going to be another tough test but we’re looking for a positive result as we did against Bradford.
“We have to take confidence from our performances and try to win the game.”