After Saturday’s defeat to Coventry, the mood around the camp was much different to in recent weeks.
Of course, the players and management team were bitterly disappointed to lose, however the manner of defeat was much more positive than in the previous few games. Graham Westley saw plenty to take out of the game:
“The difference between the sides was not huge," he told us.
“It was much more like a Stevenage performance, the back four was solid and there was an organisation to our attacking play.
“I’m encouraged by the condition of the player’s mind-sets, I’m encouraged by where they’re at in terms of their desire and determination, I’m encouraged by their will to learn and change.
“I can see a real will to learn. When as a manager you know that people finally want to take your voice on board, that gives you real optimism.”
Peter Hartley said that the half-time team talk addressed many of the issues from the first half, and helped the team improve in the second.
“I thought we reacted to what the gaffer said at half-time brilliantly. Obviously there were a few things he wasn’t happy with and I thought we put attention to detail in a very good way in the second half.”
With the re-introduction of Filipe Morais and Lucas Akins into the first team, along with the double signing of Zoko and Andrade, there are more attacking options in the squad than there has been at any point this season. After the game Lucas paid homage to the medical staff for getting him back fit.
“It’s good to be back playing again. It’s been a difficult time for me personally and I owe a big thanks to Paul Dando and the medical staff who have worked extremely hard to look after me and get me back fit”
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