Robins boss Michael Duff admits that the last two weeks have been like a “mini pre-season” for his players ahead of the Gloucestershire derby against Forest Green Rovers on Saturday.
Cheltenham Town travel up to the New Lawn having not played a match since October 6 as their home game against Yeovil Town was postponed last weekend and Duff insists that the break has benefitted his players.
“It was a mini pre-season and I said that after the game at MK Dons. It looked like we came away from a little bit of the work we had done just because the games were Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday,” he said.
“We had a meeting with the players Monday and they spent a lot of time on the training pitch last week. A lot of energy was spent, a lot of intensity and tactical work was put into them.
“It doesn’t guarantee that you’ll win the next game but there has been a lot of work done in the last two weeks.
“It’s not a full pre-season of six weeks but it came at a good time and it’s an opportunity to have a chat with the players to see what they think, and we think and how we are going to move forward.”
The gaffer also revealed that the players will be working hard to make amends for the Checkatrade Trophy defeat against the Green Devils in September, and that they recognise the importance of the fixture to the fans.
He continued: “The one thing they have done is worked hard over the last couple of weeks.
“I wasn’t here for the last game (Checkatrade Trophy tie) but that hurt them, I know that for a fact.
“Ultimately, it’s just three points, there’s no getting away from the fact that the next game is always the most important game so there isn’t any more detail going into this game because I like to think we prepare properly for every game.
“The players will know the importance of it just from outside influences and the staff will let them know. The players care, that 4-0 defeat hurt them so that will still be with them.
On the importance of the supporters, Duff added: “We need them with us. Hopefully they will see that there has been work done this week and like I said when I first came in, hopefully they will be a bit more organised as they will definitely be fitter.
“We will have a go at them, that’s all we can do. Hopefully the supporters will come with us. We can’t guarantee results, but we will be doing everything we can to win the game.”
Tickets and travel
You can still join us in Nailsworth for the closest away trip of the season! Covered seating and standing tickets have now sold out for this fixture but plenty of uncovered standing tickets remain on sale up until kick-off.
This match is NO LONGER ALL TICKET for away fans and tickets will be available for travelling supporters at the New Lawn on the day.
Cheltenham fans can purchase their tickets from the New Lawn ticket office but please do allow plenty of time as it is expected to be busy on the day.