With the return of fans now a reality, following this week’s surprise developments, we spoke to manager Chris Beech to get his thoughts on what it will mean to the staff and players to see supporters back at Brunton Park.
“It’s really good news,” he said. “As an example I think the fans could have made that 5% difference on Tuesday night and helped us. Our fans would have been there buzzing from Saturday behind the goal.
“When Jon [Mellish] had his shot which he got slightly wrong they would be supporting that and cheering him on so he would have got back into position with that extra bit of zest and energy.
“Players respond to fans making noise and supporting them. They’re talking about fans not being able to shout when they do come back so I don’t know how they’ll manage that in the Paddock!”
But next on the agenda for the Blues is the FA Cup second round meeting this Sunday.
“Whether it’s Doncaster in the FA Cup or Aston Villa in the trophy it doesn’t matter, we want to win,” he told us. “Doncaster are a highly skilled opponent who do very well in their league, so it will be a great test for our players to try and get into the third round of the competition.
“I’m looking forward to it so I’m sure the lads are. The extra day gives us time to reflect a little bit and rest a little bit. Everyone is disappointed about the defeat the other night but we’re scoring goals, conceding less and competing in games.
“We’re near the top not the bottom, even though finances are smaller than last season. We haven’t got the money to buy an answer, we’ve got to find and cultivate one, and I’m pleased with what we’re doing and how we’re doing it so far.
“We’ve just got to make sure we learn from nights like Tuesday. I felt certain individuals amongst us weren’t quite right, but on Saturday we were excellent. We just didn’t get there at Tranmere and we have to look at why that’s the case so that we can work on it.”
