3pm kick off on Saturday against Chesterfield
Grecians manager Paul Tisdale will be looking for his players to improve their defensive performance against Chesterfield on Saturday. (3pm)
Tisdale has made a point about focusing on the sides defensive responsibilities in this week’s training following last weekend's 3-0 defeat to Northampton and Tisdale is hoping to see a marked improvement on Saturday.
The City manager said: “It’s something we do weekly anyway but I suppose its had a bit more of an emphasis and a focus, there are so many things to work on each week, you can't work on them all but defending its quite a large topic.
“They all know that I am looking at that (defending) much more closely than I am normally, the players know that I’m not happy that we have conceded too many goals lately.”
“There are elements to our attacking play and defending that need to be improved or adjusted, the players are in no doubt what that is because I’ve told them and it’s been spelt out to them. We’ve got to work with the players to see a response. “
Tisdale is hoping to have a fully-fit squad for Chesterfield but with games coming thick and fast the City manager is eager to have a full squad at his disposal for the next few games.
With City facing Dagenham and Redbridge away on Tuesday followed by a trip to Cheltenham next Saturday and another game at home to AFC Wimbledon the following Tuesday it represents a fortnight of significant importance at this stage of the season.
“We’ve got one or two doubts for Saturday but we could end up this week with everyone fit again,” he said.
“Our next cluster of games are important but I’m not worried about the opposition. I think it’s about our game being tighter and more effective, I’m confident in taking on anybody.
“I have to approach every game with a purpose and that it is winnable, I’m concentrating on our team and making sure we are as effective as we can be.“
City boss Tisdale is fully aware of the impact a caretaker manager can have on a team, Saturday’s opposition have installed Tommy Wright as caretaker manager following John Sheridan’s exit.
“Chester field have lost a manager and currently have a caretaker manager and have brought in one or two new players,” he said.
“Any team that has a caretaker manager has to be watched carefully because you just don’t know what’s coming.”
If you can’t make it to St James Park tomorrow then listen live to Radio Devon commentary on Grecian Player.