Chris Plummer: We've been able to focus on the game

Assistant manager Chris Plummer previews the third encounter against Brackley Town so far this campaign, as the Iron look to rectify the previous Emirates FA Cup defeat against the Saints.

Having the Iron’s ownership changing hands earlier this week, Plummer had this to say on the last seven days since defeat against Buxton: “It’s been a long week in football, I suppose. We knew it needed to happen, and we’re very pleased that things have been resolved. It’s settled all of us playing staff down massively.

“It’s been really positive, and we’ve been able to focus on the game, fully resuming our focus just to that and nothing else.” 

United manager Jimmy Dean underwent spinal cord decompression surgery earlier in the week, leaving Plummer at the helm of the dugout for this weekend’s fixture. When referring to how this has altered preparations for the game he stated: “I’ve been speaking to Jimmy via messages and FaceTime this week, and the full focus for us as coaching staff and to the playing staff is just to concentrate on the game. That hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been the focus this week to concentrate on the game and let those dealing with the other matters deal with them.

“Jimmy’s’ obviously had quite a serious operation, but like I say we’ve been in contact numerous times a day, discussing the team, players and preparations, but we always work collaboratively anyway. Although he’s desperate to be there tomorrow, I’m sure that would be against all medical advice, but I’m sure he will still have a massive input from over the phone.”

The Iron have previously faced Saturday’s opposition twice, with the last encounter resulting in a 3-1 defeat at St James Park. Given that result Plummer’s players will be looking to get revenge, which he ensured by saying: “We’ve been working hard in training, reviewing things from the game. We’re familiar with them and they will be familiar with us.

“I think we showed spells in the games where we exploited them, and we know areas that we need to work on to stop them. We’re under no illusion that it’s going to be a tough game. They’re in the play-offs and we are in the playoffs, so hopefully we can go out there and get those three points.”

Having a depleted squad has affected the Iron of late but the assistant gaffer was able to shed some light on the situation, bringing more positive news for Iron fans: “I’ve just had an updated report and the good news is that Reagan Ogle will be available for selection as he’s overcome his rib injury and Will Evans is also back from suspension and he will be available tomorrow.

"Jason Law was back with us today so he will hopefully back training full time from next week."