Tony Daws looks ahead to York City fixture

The Iron's interim first team manager Tony Daws has spoken with the media ahead of this week's home game against York City.

He began by speaking about Saturday's fixture, explaining: “They say there are no easy games in football, and York are on a roll at the moment and doing really well. They got a good result the other night, and it’s going to be a tough game. We just have to prepare as best we can, and go out there on Saturday and give it our best.”

The Iron’s opponents were promoted from the National League North via the play-offs last year, and on their recent success the boss said: “They’ve bounced back, it’s taken them time to find their feet again, but they’re flying this season and doing ever so well. It’s going to be a challenge for us, but we’re at home, and it’s ultimately about us and how we play, and being positive. We’ll have a real go at them and try and beat them.” 

Daws also commented further on the 2-2 midweek draw at Altrincham, saying: “It was bittersweet the other night, because in a positive light it was the first away point of the season, but at the same time I’m disappointed. We went 1-0 down, and then to come back to 2-1 up, you want to go on and win the game, and ideally score another and not concede.

“The dressing room was disappointed after, which was good, because the attitude from the players has been first class since I’ve taken over. The lads were disappointed that we hadn’t hung on, and that’s the type of attitude we want from them.” 

The boss was also full of praise for the character that the team has shown, saying: “We had a conversation at half time (on Tuesday), and they came out and dominated the next half an hour, and we got ourselves in front. We got in a situation where we’d shown resilience, determination, and character to get back in the game. The lads might have gone under in previous games, but that didn’t happen, so hopefully I see that as a turning point for us.” 

He continued: “Unfortunately, we couldn’t see out that last 15 minutes after we scored, but I’m sure that before we went over there, most people connected with Scunthorpe would have taken a point. I’m taking it as a positive, even though we’re disappointed we couldn’t get all three.” 

The interim manager believes the team can build from the Altrincham game, adding: “We’ve spoken to the players, and the players are saying the same, that the attitude in the changing room was really good. They were disappointed and down, because they felt they’d lost. There was a lot of good stuff said by the players, and I’m really impressed. Hopefully we can build from there.” 

Daws also provided an update on the injuries within the team, with Marcus Carver suffering a calf strain and Colin Daniel from tendonitis, he said: “(Marcus) Carver and (Colin) Daniel are both not available. They’ve not trained today, so it’s unlikely they’ll be available for Saturday either. There’s nothing long-term, and you’re looking at about one or two weeks.

“Reagan [Ogle] put a real shift in the other night, and I thought he was terrific in terms of his application, and his performance, but he started to cramp up in the last 10 minutes or so. He’s trained on Thursday morning though, so he should be okay.

“Kgosi [Ntlhe] is on the training pitch and running each day so hopefully he will be available next week, and if not the week after. Jordan Hallam is still working with the medical team at this time.” 

Finally, Daws spoke about the importance of the fans' support, adding: “The fans have been fantastic, they’re turning out, and supporting the team which is great, and it’s what I want them to do. York will probably bring around 1,000 supporters, so hopefully it will generate a good atmosphere, and inspire our team to play well.

“They’re the sort of games you want to play in, with a decent crowd who are singing, chanting, and getting behind you. There’s plenty of opportunities for the fans to get involved, and you’re giving them something that they can encourage and get behind. We’re looking forward to it.”

See much more from Tony Daws and Elliott Whitehouse on Iron Player.