Edwards looks forward to Brazil Day at SJP
Grecians’ assistant manager Rob Edwards is looking forward to the match against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday, where City will pay tribute to 99 years of history with Brazil at the match in a carnival atmosphere.
Each match that passes is one step closer to going to Rio to face Fluminense next summer for a centenary fixture, and Rob is hoping that City will travel to South America off the back of a successful season – beginning with Wimbledon’s visit on Saturday.
“You’ve got to be proud of what you are, and Exeter has certainly got its history,” said Rob. “There are not too many clubs like Exeter. I’m sure it’ll be an enjoyable day and the crowd will turn up in good numbers.
“I’m sure that the fans, players and managers are all looking forward to going to Brazil – there’s a lot of work to be done before that though, so it’ll be extra special to go there off the back of something great this season.”
It has been a promising start to the league season so far, and despite a few players coming out a little sore after the first three games, Robbo is hopeful that there shouldn’t be any casualties ahead of the game.
He continued: “We had a busy medical room on Monday, but as usual it had cleared out by the end of the week. We hopefully won’t have many missing for Saturday but there might be one or two.
“Matt Oakley has been training for the last week – Saturday might be a bit too soon for him, but he’s back training. He’s a fit bloke and looks after himself and it’ll be nice to have him. I know the players enjoy playing with someone with his experience so it’ll be good when we have him back.”
Nature might decide whether or not Pat Baldwin will be able to play, as his firstborn is due on Saturday. As a parent himself, Robbo is more than aware that family might have to come first.
“It seems a few years ago since my daughter was born – it’s a difficult time. Pat is a professional guy and football means a lot to him, but it’s an important time family-wise as well so it’s a case of managing time and attention.
“Hopefully we won’t miss Pat but it depends on the timing – but of course I wish his missus and their family well.”
One player that had a particular good game last time out against the Dons was Jamie Reid, who netted twice on his first senior start in a red and white shirt. Wimbledon have since developed something of a new-look back-four to plug the holes in defence, and Robbo is aware that Saturday will be a new challenge.
“It was Reidy’s day – he got a couple of goals and could have gotten a third, but for the disallowed goal. It was a tense game but the support we had on the day was fantastic and the fans really gave us a chance to go there and perform by backing us.
“It was a good day – but it’s a new season and a new game, and we’ll be looking to get a good performance on Saturday.”
Tickets for Exeter City v AFC Wimbledon can be bought on the day of the game from ticket booths around the ground and upon entry to the Big Bank. Click here for ticket prices.