Crawley Town boss on importance of a productive August
Manager John Gregory wants his Reds to be quick out of the blocks when the new League One season kicks off at Barnsley on Saturday.
Reds have won both their opening day games since promotion to League One in 2012, beating Scunthorpe 3-0 in our first game at this level and Coventry City 3-2 last season.
But the trip to Oakwell is the first time we have started away from home since our league debut at Port Vale back in 2011 when we drew 2-2.
John said: “This club has never lost its first game as a league club and it’s a record I am determined continues on Saturday.
“We have five tough games in August with three of them away but it’s important we get some momentum building very quickly.
“It’s a new squad but we have been together as a group since June 30 so they are used to each other now and the way we want to play.
“So when we walk out at Barnsley on Saturday we will be as well prepared as any Crawley team since I came to the club.
“It’s going to be tough. Barnsley have come down from the Championship and (manager) Danny Wilson will be targeting three points from the first game, just like every other manager in the
division. He knows this league very well and he has come up against Crawley teams in the past so he will know what to expect.”
After a day off on Tuesday the squad are back at work today and will train in South Yorkshire on Friday after an early morning departure from Crawley.
He added: “We’ve got them for the next three days, focused and prepared and ready to go on Saturday. The squad are tremendously fit. We did some tests on Monday and the results were outstanding across the whole group so physically I know we are ready.
“There is a good strong mentality in the squad too which is important. No player should need motivating for any game, especially the first match of the season, but we need them to show the same mental strength in every game, whether it’s Saturday or Port Vale away next March.”
JG is also hoping for a good turnout of Crawley fans for the season’s opening fixture.
“I know our fans will be there getting behind us on Saturday,” he added. “With three home games to follow it’s an expensive time but when the boys walk out at Barnsley it’s important for them to
know that our supporters will be there making some noise and getting behind them.”
