Dean talks team news and more ahead of Maidstone away

Iron manager Jimmy Dean has provided an update on the squad ahead of Tuesday night's trip down south where the team will face Maidstone United in the Vanarama National League.

The boss started by looking ahead to the match, saying: “It’s a game we really need to win. It’s an important fixture for us and it’s an important fixture for them, and as far as six pointers go, this is probably a nine pointer.” 

He continued to talk about the opposition: “They’re not getting beat out of sight, they drew with Gateshead who are a team in form. It’s a tough fixture and it’s one that we need to win and get something out of. I don’t think games like Wrexham or Boreham Wood are games which define us, or games which we’re going to look back on and think we should have picked up points, but Tuesday night is one where we have to pick up points.” 

Dean then spoke about the team and his message to them, adding: “If we put too much pressure on the lads, then it isn’t going to work, but if we don’t let them know the importance of it then it isn’t going to work either, so it’s about getting that middle ground. They’ve done well on Monday so let’s see what happens.” 

The manager then spoke about how the dressing room has been since Saturday's defeat at Boreham Wood, saying: “Initially, the boys were down but as the day's gone on they’ve come out of their shell. We all know the importance of this one, but it’s the same with all the games, and it was with Dagenham. When I first looked at the games, Dagenham was one that I thought we could get something out of, and we did. We played well against them and Wrexham, and we had more hope for Boreham Wood. Now this one is an important one.” 

Jimmy then provided an update on the squad, saying: “No fresh injuries. There are the normal creaks and pains but nothing that’s caused any new injuries.”

Striker Danny Elliott will return to the squad following his omission at the weekend, and Dean added: “It’s really important having him back. Danny can come in and he can run through the channels, so the defence have to drop off a bit, and that gives us more space to actually play football. I think if Gerry plays we have to get players closer to him, we didn’t do that [against Boreham Wood], and we got beat up by a team with a lot of know how.”

Finally, the gaffer spoke about the Iron’s support from the stands, saying: “I think they made up 40 per cent of the crowd at Boreham Wood, that’s just over three hours travel. That’s unbelievable. I just hope it hurts us and the players like it hurts them, because that’s how we get results, by realising how much it means to so many people. It’s unbelievable support.”

See more from Jimmy Dean and Alfie Beestin on Iron Player.