United boss John Sheridan spoke again this week about the narrow margins between success and failure in what is a very evenly matched division.
“There aren’t many teams who stand out every week,” he said. “It is very evenly matched and that’s why teams beat each other so much.
“Lincoln and MK Dons have been the most consistent, and credit to them, and that’s without them always being the best team in the division in every game.”
“I think we can compete with any team and Saturday’s performance, along with a few others, have shown that,” he continued. “Last weekend was a performance which I wish had come a bit earlier for us at home.
“I do think we played really well, and it was an emphatic win. That’s all well and good, but we know we need to be more consistent. The aim is to try to catch up with the teams above us.
“The games are about to come very quickly so it’s a good opportunity to get back in the mix. We need to take care of each game we play next first and foremost.
“Along with that we want performances for our fans,” he told us. “The supporters have been with us through some terrible results and our home record has not been good enough.
“They still come to support us and hopefully a few quick wins will bring more of them back.”
With a full week of training ahead of what is a mammoth journey he confirmed that Macaulay Gillesphey is his only cause for concern ahead of Saturday.
“He’s had a knock on his knee so we’ll have to assess that” he told us. “We’ll take the advice of the medical people as usual.
“Other than that there’s Jason Kennedy who is still working hard. He’s still probably a few weeks away, but everyone else has trained well. That means I have competition for places, which I like. I don’t ever want anyone thinking they have a guaranteed place.”
And on the potential of extending the stays for the current crop of loan players, he said: “We’ve spoken to all of the parent clubs and I’m hoping they’ll all happen with those we want to stay.
“The clubs seem happy for that to happen, and the players are enjoying it here, so we’re hoping to have them sorted out quickly.”
“We’re still not 100% sure what’s happening with Ashley Nadesan so we’ll keep our options open on that,” he commented. “I’ve identified players because I know we have to replace him if he goes.
“If he does go, along with possibly one of the other lads, then I’d be looking to bring in two players, if any.”
And on the possibility of any other movement out of the building for any of his squad, he said: “Any player who isn’t happy and doesn’t want to be here will be allowed to move on.
“If that’s the case and they can get a club I wouldn’t stand in their way, no matter who it is. I would never say no to anyone in that situation and, as I say, if they can get a club then good luck to them.”
Click HERE to watch an interview with John Sheridan on iFollow United now.
Click HERE to see a clip from this interview on our YouTube channel. Follow the same link for more FREE content right from the heart of the club.
