Dean looks ahead to Wealdstone home encounter

Iron manager Jimmy Dean has provided an update on the squad ahead of Saturday's home game against Wealdstone in the Vanarama National League (3pm kick-off).

The gaffer began by speaking about Saturdays fixture, telling Iron Player: “It’s another big game and we have to try and get three points, it’s vital. We knew home form was going to be really important when we came in. The one against Eastleigh was poor but the two games either side of that, Dagenham and Altrincham, were good performances against top half sides.” 

He added: “We have to go one better, and if we repeat the performance levels that we had against Solihull and in the second half against Altrincham then it’s got to drop for us and I think we’ll have a decent chance.” 

The boss the reflected on Tuesday night's defeat at Solihull, continuing: “I think we played some decent football at the right times, we created chances, and (Richie) Bennett gave us a lot, but we need to win. I think we’ve come quite a way, I think it’s a different team now, but we need wins and there are no two ways about it.”

Jimmy then spoke about Wealdstone, who lost heavily in the week to Chesterfield, saying: “They’re a good team and they’re eighth in the league. They could come out and have a big reaction or they could not. We can only worry about us in terms of mentality. We’ve worked on what we think they’re going to do and how to combat that, but we can only worry about us and how we’re going to turn up.”

He continued: “In the last two, the lads have turned up with their chests out and ready to give it a real go. The boys have to do it again on Saturday and if we do that then I think we’ll have a decent chance.”

The Iron manager then provided an update on the squad, starting with centre-back Ben Richards-Everton. He said: “He’s back available and he’s got two training sessions in, which is potentially a big plus. I think the back four had really settled down and looks solid. Everyone else is where they should be.” 

He continued to speak about the rest of the team, adding: “(Marcus) Carver has got a couple weeks of training in and has started training with the squad now. (Alfie) Beestin, I think he will be out for the season which is a big miss.” 

The gaffer than talked about morale following the midweek defeat, adding: “We were a bit down on Thursday morning but we soon picked up, got in good spirits, and we’ve had two good training sessions. I’m looking forward to being back home, I prefer it here, and I think we’re a much better team here. The fans support makes a huge difference.” 

Jimmy finished by speaking about the fans, saying: “They’re massive for us. We’re in that territory again where we need to be winning and what we need from them is what they’ve been giving us. They keep us in games when we’re not playing well and they push us over the line when we’re on top. It’s really important they get in, get behind us, and give us a fighting chance.”

See more from Jimmy Dean and Sean Shields on Iron Player.