Justin, that was the first Pre-Season friendly of the season on a great pitch. You used 23 players with squad rotation - how did it go ?
Yes, pleasing. You are correct that the pitch was excellent, the opposition were a strong side with a lot of experience and a lot of good players, so it was a good test, and I'm delighted with everyone getting at least 45 minutes in, and to get a couple of goals and a clean sheet too is pleasing.
As a first match do you look for a game with no injuries, and a good run-out etc ? Does the score really matter ?
The score is irrelevant, but there's nothing better than winning. Winning becomes a habit - I'm a great believer in that, but the aim of this game and Saturday's is to get 45 minutes into their legs, to get rid of the rustiness in the touch and movement, and to get back to the physical contact, as although we've been doing a lot of physical work in terms of running, this is where you get the contact, and the stop-start pace. I'm pleased that we looked fit, and didn't pick up any injuries, and can now look forwards to Saturday.
The first half was better than the second, and I understand that when you make so many changes you lose a bit of the fluidity, so overall I'm pleased with the performances the players put in.
What is the news on those that didn't play - Neil Cousins and Michael Corcoran ?
I'd be disappointed if Michael didn't play some part in Saturday's game - he has a stiff calf which we rested as a precaution to avoid losing him for longer. Neil Cousins is coming on well - he's putting in a lot of hard work behind the scenes and has really got his teeth into it and is looking very strong and hopefully he'll get the rewards for all of the hard work he is putting in.
They are the only two injuries, and everyone came through tonight. I was pleased with the opposition's performance - I thought they played well at times and it was a good night.
Although Brackley are a couple of divisions below, they look to have put together a good squad, some of whom you'll be aware of from last season, so all-in-all it was a good test ?
Yes, a very good test. They've got vast amounts of experience from either the Football League or Conference - many of these players were in the Conference last season - and in some cases winning the league. Jon has put together a good side, and on the evidence of tonight I expect them to be contenders for the league next year. They made us welcome, they have a fantastic surface, the game was played in a good spirit, which is all you can ask for the first game of pre-season.
Looking at the squad as a whole, you have a big squad at the moment ?
Yes, but I don't really take into account first team pros - Aynsley McDonald and Nabil Shariff, and Max York is a little more advanced, as he played some conference games last season. Matt Johnson is going to make two steps up, and I thought he looked very accomplished out there today. Taking those four into account means we have 16-17 so I'd like to add two more before the start of the season - hopefully one of them this week.
