Following Carlisle United’s preparations ahead of the long trip to Chatham Town in the Isuzu FA Trophy, we spoke to Frankie McAvoy.
Speaking to CUTV from Penrith, McAvoy discussed the benefits of a change in routine, the squad’s growing momentum, recent tactical progress and the challenge that awaits in Kent this weekend.
Here is everything we learnt:
1. Making the most of a different training base
“With the pitches being rock solid because of the frost, it’s been great to come here. The surface is similar to what we’ll face on Saturday, so it’s really helped the players get used to their footing and how the ball moves. All in all, it’s been worthwhile.”
2. Turning disruption into an advantage
“When you know you’re going to be playing on a certain type of pitch at the weekend, being able to train on it is very beneficial. It helps you prepare properly and allows us to work on our game plan in the right conditions.”
3. Managing illness and rotation
“We’ve had a wee bit of illness in the camp over the last few weeks, a flu-type virus that’s affected a few lads. That’s made rotation important, but we’ll go to Chatham with a team we believe is capable of winning.”
4. Confidence built on recent results
“It was really important to get back into winning ways. Three clean sheets have been massive for us and to take nine points from nine is something we’re quietly delighted with.”
5. No room for complacency at the top
“You don’t have any given right to turn up in this league and deserve to win. Every opponent has to be respected. There are no easy games and there will be twists and turns along the way.”
6. Training ground work paying off
“Luke Armstrong's goal on Boxing Day was magnificent. It came straight from one of the patterns we work on in training, and when you see that come to fruition in a game, it’s brilliant for the staff and the players.”
7. Striking options giving tactical flexibility
“Luke and Georgie [Kelly] give us different qualities. Luke's runs in behind cause defenders real problems, while Georgie is more of a target man who can bring others into play. Having both gives the gaffer good options.”
8. Respect for the travelling support
“The travelling in this league is gruelling, but it’s immense credit to the supporters who do it week in, week out. They’re always there and it’s great for the players.”
9. What to expect from Chatham
“They actually look to play. They use a 4-3-2-1 similar to Boston when we played them in the FA Cup. They’ll want to get the ball down and it’ll be a good test for us.”
10. Big occasion mentality
“When Carlisle comes to town, it’s a big game for everybody. For a lot of teams it’s like a cup final, and it gives them a platform to showcase themselves. We have to be ready for that.”
11. Squad moves adding depth
“Josh Grant going out on loan is massive for him - he needs minutes and this is a great chance to show what he can do. And we’re delighted to bring Ryan Galvin in. He gives us cover in key areas and has great National League experience.”
12. A positive outlook for the second-half of the season
“We’re in a decent position. We’ve won 17 league games and we’re averaging over two points a game. There will still be twists and turns, but the manager, staff and players will work their socks off to build on what we’ve done so far – starting with Saturday.”
