Joel: We need the crowd to be the 12th man from kick-off

Joel Grant has called on the Exeter City fans to be their 12th man right throughout the game on Friday against Barnet.

Joel says the atmosphere that has been created at St James Park this season has been terrific – especially in the final 20 minutes of matches when the Grecians have been pushing for goals. 

However, he is asking fans to create that noise from kick-off on Good Friday to make the ground is an imposing place for Kevin Nugent’s side.  

“The atmosphere at St James Park has been great, particularly in the last 20 minutes of games when we have been coming back,” said Joel. 

“Sitting on the bench – all you can hear is the crowd. I think if we can get that sort of atmosphere from the very beginning tomorrow (Friday), it will make it difficult for Barnet. That is what we need at the moment. We need that 12th man.”

City lost last time out to Newport County and Joel admitted it was a very morale-sapping defeat. However, he adds that the players are focusing on what a good position they are in the table and that the mood in training this week has been good.

“The tempo has been high – we have had some intense sessions – and I think we have got to be positive,” said Joel. “We are still in a good position, so it is only positive around the camp. 

“We have got to take it one game at a time, but it is in our own hands – and that is what we would have wanted. Our focus is fully on Barnet tomorrow and if we can get a good result it will give us a good starting point for Cambridge United on Monday.”

There are three teams currently outside the play-offs that could all overtake City on Friday if the Grecians don’t pick up a victory. So, is the pressure on Exeter or their promotion rivals?

“For me, the pressure is on them because they are chasing,” said Joel. “They have got to win their games to catch us whereas we have got to win our games to stay in front. I’d rather be in the position that we are in.”

Joel also added that he is ready to go for this weekend, having not started a game since a 2-0 defeat at home to Accrington Stanley on March 11. 

“I think you have always got to stay ready,” said Joel. “Me, personally, I have tried to keep myself active and ready and once your given an opportunity to play you have just got to be ready to give it your best and that is definitely what I’ll be looking to do.”