On the ‘home truths’ that were mentioned in his interview after the Notts County game last weekend, Nelson said: “The players have had a meeting between themselves (as Nelson inferred was needed last week). I don’t know what was said and I don’t really want to know, it’s up to them to have that meeting but hopefully we will see a positive reaction from them on Saturday, they’ve trained well this week so hopefully they can roll that into Saturday’s performance.”
In terms of injuries, he added: “It’s pretty similar to last week. Jordan Hallam has had another full week of training so he has been in every training session getting closer and closer, but Kgosi (Ntlhe) is still out so it’ll most likely be a similar squad to last Saturday. There were couple of little niggles on Saturday but nothing significant.”
On Saturday’s opposition, Nelson said: “Obviously, their game got cut short on Saturday (away at Bromley) so they didn’t have a full game. I think they’ve had a midweek game in one of the local cup competitions where some players have got minutes. They’ll be a well organised side, a good test for us to go down there and we’ll see what shape and system we go with as well as personnel and hopefully the lads on the pitch will put in a good performance.”
Speaking about the long journey in the cold for the fans, he said: “It’s definitely going to be a long one and the weather forecast is freezing so if anybody does travel down there then fair play to them. We very much appreciate the backing.”
On Harry Lewis departing on loan to Boston following the end of his loan spell at Gainsborough, Michael said: “Boston United contacted us as they’ve been impressed with what they’ve seen of Harry (Lewis) at Gainsborough so we put it to Harry and he decided he wanted to make the step up and go to Boston. Hopefully he can go there and continue his development.”
Finally, on Finley Shrimpton being recalled from his successful loan spell at the same club as Lewis, he said: “He’s done well, we’ve watched him a few times while he’s been away, all the reports from the Gainsborough staff and the scouts we’ve had watching have come back and been positive. He’s been training really well with the group while he’s been on loan, so he has done really well. We’ve recalled him and hopefully he can make an impact if he comes in with the squad.”
See more from Michael Nelson and George Taft on Iron Player.