Dean updates as Iron prepare to visit Notts County

Iron first team manager Jimmy Dean has spoken to the press ahead of Saturday's away game against Notts County in the Vanarama National League.

The boss began by speaking about the fixture, which 1,750 Iron fans are travelling to see. He told Iron Player: “The commitment from the fans is second to none, 1,750 and sold out. I’ve been trying to get some for my family and there’s none left so there’s obviously a demand for more. It shows what a fantastic fan base we’ve got.”

He continued to talk about the supporters' importance in trying to keep the team in the division, saying: “We need them. It’s no secret that the away form has been poor all season and the way we turn that is by getting as many home fans as we can in these away fixtures, and it’ll make a difference. I feel like we’re making strides all the time and every last bit of support helps.” 

On how the team have prepared for the weekend, following on from the resounding 4-1 win over Wealdstone last Saturday, the bos ssaid: “It’s been pretty good. The two new boys in midfield have livened the place up. On the pitch we’re happy with how it’s gone.”

Jimmy then elaborated on his thoughts on the two new signings, Dean Rance and Liam Thompson: “They’re opposites really, one’s an experienced fighter and a winner who's done fantastically well at this level, and the other one, Thompson, is one of the first names I wanted when I came in. We didn’t think we could, but David (Hilton) has got the deal done, and he’s a really exciting signing, a great footballer with great energy, and I’m looking to seeing him go.”

The gaffer spoke further about the signing of Thompson, adding: “He’s had 20 odd appearances in the Championship and 20 appearances this year, but he’s not got the starts he wanted. Derby are a team going for the play-offs in League One, and by some accounts, a few think he should be in the side there.” 

The manager then provided a fitness update on the squad, saying: “Tom Pugh has got a hamstring problem and hasn’t trained Thursday or Friday, but I’m hoping he’s available for Saturday. Jordan Hallam has had a recurrence to his hamstring injury which is a problem. (Alfie) Beestin is recovering well. That’s where we’re at with them."

Jimmy added that Beestin won’t return before the end of the season: “It’s very unlikely, which is a real shame. When we initially came in he was one of the biggest impacts we had, and I think with the direction we’re going in now, if we had him he’d really thrive.” 

On Saturday’s title-chasing opposition, the boss said: “They pass, pass, and pass. They’re a really clever side, and they create advantages all through the pitch as they build up it. They’re very good and very confident at keeping the ball and I think it’s as difficult a fixture as there is in this division. They’re Manchester City-esque in how they play the game and if you manage to get a team doing that at this level then it’s a fantastic achievement."

He added: “It’s not over by a long way, but if Wrexham do win the league in the end, Notts County will have just been unlucky, as any other year they’d win the league. I don’t think there’s any doubt that they’re the best footballing side in the division and it’s a real challenge, but it’s one we’re looking forward to and we’re looking forward to getting our teeth stuck into them.”