MANAGER: We'll go to do the job honestly

“I'd like to say a massive thank you to those fans who will be at Notts County and who have followed us around the country this season,” he said. “That's on behalf of the football club, the staff and the players. 

“I've said it before, but you don't just wake up and decide to watch Carlisle United away. The commitment has been second to none. They've got to be applauded for their effort, but also, when they get there, the backing they've given the players has been phenomenal. 

“We've had some good performances and results on the road and the players have shown the fans the characteristics that are going to be needed for a successful season.”

“Some people might say this game hasn’t got anything riding on it but there are three points up for grabs as far as I’m concerned,” he commented. “We’ll go there to finish things off properly and to our jobs professionally.

“It’s another game where we want to get a decent performance. We want to attack and, if you think back, we started the season playing open and expansive football. We scored goals, but we let a few too many in at the other end. We had to make slight adjustments but we’ve maintained a level of confidence and a belief in the way we want to play. 

“I want players in and around me who can handle a football. They need to be able to change their decision in a split second because sometimes you have to utilise different options. Every time you move the ball the picture changes on the pitch and ultimately we want to score goals.”

“We're looking for a combination of players who we know can do it and players we know we can coach to do it,” he explained. “I am a coach so I do go out and implement ideas I've got which I think can bring the best out of the players. I've got a philosophy of how I want to play. It’s made easier with the players I recruit because those players will have shown certain things I think I can utilise within my game strategy. 

“We want to add to the group with more ability and a level of consistency. We haven’t performed week in and week out to the level required, and that’s why I’ve made changes on occasions. I won’t turn away from doing that, particularly if it’s for the betterment of results and performances.

“That’s the same on Saturday. We will go to Notts County to get a result. I’ve got to do the job as honestly as I can and I take each game on its merits. I don’t think I can change that approach because I pick the team I think will get me the right outcome.”