Darren Moore held his first pre-match press conference of the new season on Friday, streamed live on our official YouTube channel. Here is a selection of talking points ahead of Wednesday v Portsmouth.
ON THE SQUAD
Callum Paterson has had a knock in training and we will check him in the morning, the rest of the squad are available for the game.
ON PRE-SEASON
We’ve done everything we can to make sure the players are strong and robust and prepared for the season ahead. There’s been a few knocks and bumps, but it’s a contact sport and you expect that, but no injuries that give us any concern.
I would probably have liked another in-house game to give some of the fringe players a top-up, but in terms of the volume in training I’m happy. There’s been no real injury concerns which is really pleasing.
This pre-season, there’s been more of a consistency, it’s been carefully planned and we’ve done a lot of recruitment early in the window. In terms of the preparation and the work we’ve done thus far, I’m happy.
ON EXPECTATIONS
There’s an optimism at the football club and we’re focused on our approach to the season. I would never disrespect any other team, we just have to focus on being the best versions of ourselves each week.
It’s about focusing on ourselves and having a consistency in our performances, individually and collectively. Some people hit the ground running, others need time to find their rhythm, hopefully we find ours straight away.
You’re in the industry to win, people can have a prediction on where we will finish, but that’s out of my control. My focus is solely on the work we’re doing here and preparing for Saturday. My job is to remain focused and try to build some momentum.
ON SPECULATION
There are no bids on the table for any of our players but I’m fully aware that 24 hours is a long time in football! I’m just focused on this group of players and starting the season, we’ve planned for tomorrow and we’re looking forward to the game.
We’ve not had a bid for Sylla Sow, he’s been training with us all season, including this morning. So as things stand, we have had no official offer for him.
Both Alex Hunt and Ryan Galvin have had interest from other clubs, we’ve declined those loan offers so far so I can have a look at them as part of the first team and they’ve seen the benefits of that.
ON HILLSBOROUGH
We’re delighted to be starting the season at home and looking forward to the atmosphere that our loyal fan base bring. We really enjoyed playing at Hillsborough last season and we have to keep working forward together. I was at the Community Programme event at the club last night and we spoke about how vital the fans will be, not just at home but on the road as well.
ON JOSH WINDASS
I want him to be in amongst the goals and the assists. We hope he’s a player that we can keep fit and in and around the squad. He’s someone who can affect games at the right end of the pitch, so to have him complete a full pre-season is great.