Crawley Town host Crewe Alexandra in League Two at the Broadfield Stadium on Saturday. We spoke to manager Scott Lindsey and defender Laurence Maguire, who is on loan from Chesterfield, about the game and got injury updates on the squad. Video courtesy of Crawley Town
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00:00 Scott,
00:05 thank you for joining us.
00:06 An exciting
00:07 league game to look forward to this weekend for the first time in a while,
00:10 it feels like, against Crewe.
00:11 Can I get your thoughts on that one?
00:13 Yes, again, we're looking forward to it.
00:15 Tough game, obviously.
00:16 They've had a great start to the season.
00:18 They sit fourth in the table.
00:19 Lee's done a fantastic job there.
00:22 It'll be a tough game and we've watched them at length.
00:27 We're not really sure what they're going to do in terms of their shape.
00:31 The last game they played, they played a back four.
00:34 Before that, they were quite successful with a back three.
00:38 So we're kind of covering our bases with that.
00:41 But yes, we're looking forward to the game.
00:43 We're at home.
00:45 We're in good shape.
00:47 So, yes, a game we're looking forward to.
00:49 Yes, it must be exciting to get back to league action.
00:51 We spoke a lot at the start of the month about how it's going to be such a busy month,
00:54 and then that postponement against Morecambe sort of threw us off of,
00:57 you know, the continuous league game.
00:59 So it must be, yes, really looking forward to getting back to actual league football.
01:03 Yes, exactly right.
01:03 You know, it's our bread and butter.
01:04 It's what we're here for.
01:07 We want to do well in the league this year and we have done well.
01:10 We've got to now maintain a good start and really kick on.
01:14 But yes, like I say, we're excited for the game on Saturday.
01:17 Yes, and I suppose one of the bonuses is one of
01:20 the crew's biggest threats this season has been Jack Power,
01:22 a player that you obviously coached a lot at the end of last year.
01:24 So it'll be good to see him, but always, you know,
01:27 making sure that we know what he's capable of as well.
01:29 Yes, exactly that.
01:30 Yes, we like Jack.
01:31 Jack's a good guy, a good footballer.
01:34 We've actually got a section on him, how dangerous he can be in the meeting.
01:38 So the players will be aware of that, obviously.
01:42 But we feel we've got our own threats as well.
01:43 We feel that we've got our own players that can open them up and
01:49 be good with the ball and make sure that we have enough goal-scoring
01:53 opportunities in order for us to win the game.
01:55 Yes, a lot of the players have had plenty of rest over the last couple of weeks.
01:58 From that Wrexham game, I say past couple of weeks, past week or so,
02:01 from that Wrexham game, it must have been good to get some rest.
02:04 I know you were pretty keen on that, weren't you?
02:05 I think it was important.
02:06 It's a difficult industry that we're in.
02:09 We're sort of like game after game, and there's been times when we've got in
02:14 through our front doors at early hours of the mornings, and it's been tough on the players.
02:19 It is a tough industry, and when you get an opportunity to give them a
02:22 couple of days, I think it's important that they do that.
02:26 I feel that they then come back fresher for it,
02:30 and hopefully we'll see the benefits of that on Saturday.
02:34 Yes, and not only Saturday, it's going to get busier after that, isn't it?
02:38 Because then we're back to Tuesday, Saturday.
02:39 So, in the long run, it could have some real benefits, couldn't it?
02:41 Yes, straight away.
02:42 We've got crew, obviously, on Saturday at home, and then we travel to
02:45 Walsall on Tuesday and then Forest Green and so on and so forth.
02:49 So, it is a tough kind of period,
02:54 and I think that that rest, or them two days off, probably came at the right time.
03:01 If you'd have asked me that question when it was first cancelled,
03:05 I wanted to carry on playing, obviously, because we had good momentum.
03:08 But we take the positives from it, and the positives are that the players have had
03:12 a couple of days where they've gone home and seen their families and had some much-needed rest.
03:17 Thanks, Scott.
03:19 I'm not going to linger on too long, but on Tuesday night, Scott,
03:22 you had some quite strong words afterwards.
03:24 How do you handle that in the following days?
03:26 Is it a big speech or is it speaking to players individually, or is it just moving on as soon as you can?
03:31 Well, we speak to players all the time.
03:32 I think the thing why I became frustrated more so was because I felt that
03:39 we create an environment here that it's okay to not play well.
03:45 It is okay not to play well. It is okay to make mistakes.
03:50 What we can't afford to do is to have players not working hard and running,
03:54 and that's where I felt that we fell down a little bit on Tuesday night,
03:57 and I can't accept that, and I won't accept it, and the players know that.
04:00 Whilst we want to move on quickly from a poor performance,
04:05 we always have to analyse it to a certain degree
04:11 and speak to players about their performances and about how they prepared
04:15 and how they felt that the night went for them.
04:19 I think that's important.
04:20 But like I said, we want to create an environment that the players feel comfortable in,
04:24 a learning environment and one that they're allowed to make mistakes in.
04:28 No problem at all.
04:29 I'm happy for players, especially the way we play.
04:31 We're asking a lot of them and a lot of risk at times,
04:35 and it's fine to make mistakes, but what is not fine is not to run and work hard.
04:39 I saw that a little bit too often on Tuesday night.
04:42 I think that was the upsetting factor for me.
04:45 And just any update on Harry and Addy from Tuesday?
04:48 Yes, so Harry, first thought, we thought that maybe Addy was probably worse than Harry,
04:53 and Harry's ended up being worse than Addy.
04:56 So, sad for him.
04:57 There's no ligament damage, so it's not as bad as first thought,
05:02 but he will be a considerable amount of time before he's back.
05:06 Not loads of weeks, but probably some.
05:10 And Addy, we originally thought it might have been a damage to his knee.
05:18 There's no damage to his knee, but his ankle felt sore as well.
05:22 Again, he potentially could be ready for the weekend, believe it or not.
05:28 Really?
05:29 Yes.
05:30 Excellent.
05:30 And talking of crew, you said that, looking at their previous games,
05:33 they played a back three, a black four.
05:35 How hard is it to prepare for a team like that,
05:38 when you don't know exactly how they're going to set up?
05:41 Well, we're kind of used to it.
05:43 A lot of teams change from week to week anyway, so we get used to that.
05:48 And because of the way we play, a lot of teams do change because of us,
05:52 which is a compliment.
05:54 So, we do concentrate a lot on ourselves and a lot of what we've got to do with the ball.
06:01 But it is what it is.
06:02 We'll prepare accordingly, we'll prepare to press against a back three.
06:08 We'll prepare how we adopt against a back four.
06:12 The players will know exactly what they're doing.
06:14 And really speaking, before the warm-ups even started,
06:18 we'll know what they're doing through their team sheet, I would think.
06:21 And then once the team sheet goes in, we'll get prepared in the dressing room
06:24 and kind of explain a few things, just to make sure that we're fully aware of what we're doing.
06:29 And they look like they score goals from everywhere.
06:32 Micky Dimitri, who's got five goals, I think, already this year.
06:35 Obviously, I assume that's set pieces and that, so you've been working hard on those this week?
06:39 Yes, we will do more so tomorrow.
06:42 But yes, Micky's somebody we really liked in the summer.
06:46 He was kind of one of our targets.
06:47 I'm not going to hide that.
06:49 He's a good player, he can do everything.
06:52 He can pass it, he can play, he can defend.
06:54 He's got the long throw.
06:57 But no, he's a good player for them.
06:58 And of course, a threat with the long throw.
07:01 But yes, they score goals from all different kind of positions and areas of the pitch.
07:06 They've got some good players, good attacking threats,
07:08 and we know that it's going to be a tough game.
07:10 Yes, and injury-wise, obviously Adam Campbell will be out.
07:14 Any other news?
07:15 No, apart from the two that we've just mentioned, Adam Campbell's a no for sure.
07:20 And Gladwyn is a potential doubt.
07:23 Right, OK. Thank you, Scott.
07:24 Lawrence, thank you for joining us.
07:25 An exciting game to look forward to this weekend against Crewe.
07:28 Can I just get your thoughts as we prepare for that one?
07:30 Yes, I'm really looking forward to it, obviously.
07:33 I've been disappointed by losing back-to-back games in the league,
07:36 and it's a great game for us to bounce back in.
07:38 We've done a lot of preparation for it over the last couple of weeks.
07:42 We've had no game at the weekend and we'll be more than ready to go into it.
07:46 Yes, more than ready, and as the gaffer has just touched on in his pre-match,
07:49 they weren't necessarily bad performances in those games.
07:51 Obviously, disappointing to not come away with any points,
07:53 but for large parts of the games, we were on top, weren't we?
07:56 Yes, massively.
07:57 Obviously, the gaffer reiterates about performances.
08:00 Performances will turn into results.
08:02 Looking at the Wrexham game, I felt like we were really, really good
08:06 with the ball and without the ball.
08:08 It was just one of those games where we just put the ball in the back of the net.
08:11 We deserved a lot more than what we got, whether it was one point.
08:15 But we, as a team, felt like we should have come away with three points.
08:18 So now it's time for us to bounce back on Saturday and hopefully get back up
08:22 and running in the league, and three points is massive for us.
08:25 Yes, Crewe have had a great start to the league,
08:26 but we've proved many times this season that we're also one of the better teams
08:30 in this league, and we do put in some good performances against those sides.
08:33 So, I suppose the lads must be really looking forward to getting back in league action.
08:37 As you say, just look to try and get back to winning ways.
08:39 Yes, big credit to Crewe.
08:40 Obviously, they're having a really good season as well, just like ourselves.
08:43 But it's all focused on ourselves to go into the game.
08:46 We've been working on us, a little bit on them, but mainly about us
08:50 and hopefully bouncing back and getting the three points that we feel like we need.
08:55 Yes, and from a personal perspective, obviously, it's been a while since we've
08:58 spoke to you, obviously, after that Stockport game.
08:59 But how have you been finding it so far? Have you been enjoying life at Crawley?
09:02 Yes, loving it.
09:03 Settled in really, really well.
09:05 Obviously, I've been here now about six weeks, so yes, it's been really positive.
09:10 The lads have been great, obviously the staff as well.
09:12 So, yes, I'm really, really enjoying it and hopefully it can carry on.
09:14 Yes, I mean, we've had some of our fair share of luck over the years with injuries and stuff like that,
09:19 but it looks like we're building a really strong back three at the moment,
09:22 and obviously the wing-backs as well.
09:24 And we've had touch where we've had a lot of good luck with those injuries in the back line.
09:28 So, how's it been playing alongside Dion and Will as well?
09:32 Yes, brilliant.
09:32 Obviously, Dion's experienced at this level.
09:34 He knows what he's doing.
09:35 He's brilliant in that middle of the back three.
09:38 He's a good organiser as well.
09:39 So, yes, I've really enjoyed playing with him.
09:41 He's really calm on the ball, which helps us as a team.
09:44 He sets us up and gets us on the front foot.
09:47 So, yes, Dion's a great player.
09:49 So, yes, it's a benefit for me and it's a good experience for me to play next to him.
09:53 And also, obviously, Will on the other side is very similar to myself in terms of
09:57 he wants to play with the ball, stepping in with the ball, but also can defend brilliantly as well.
10:01 So, yes, hopefully we can keep that going.
10:05 Thanks.
10:06 Hi, Lawrence.
10:06 You seem to have fitted in seamlessly here.
10:09 What do you put that down to?
10:12 Obviously, the lads.
10:13 It's one of those clubs that you just come in and have settled in really, really well.
10:17 And also the staff and the people around the ground.
10:20 They've been really helpful, people behind the scenes.
10:23 And, yes, I just feel like I've settled in really well.
10:25 I've got my head down on the pitch and my performances,
10:29 hopefully, have been good enough to keep myself on the side.
10:31 And now I'm hoping to carry on and keep going.
10:35 Yes, and you must be pleased to be getting a couple of goals as well in there.
10:37 Yes, definitely.
10:38 It's one thing that I try and get as many as I can throughout the season.
10:42 I set targets.
10:43 So, obviously, to get a couple early on in my career here is good.
10:48 But, obviously, I want to get more and I'll keep working behind the scenes to get more.
10:53 And working with the coaches from set players on the training ground.
10:57 And can you talk about how Scott is helping you develop as a player as well?
11:00 Because every player I've spoken to just sings so highly of Scott.
11:03 What is it about Scott that helps you develop?
11:06 He's brilliant.
11:07 He's a really, really good coach.
11:09 Everything goes on the training pitch.
11:11 And as you can see in the games on a Saturday,
11:14 everything that goes on on the training ground comes into the games.
11:18 And you can see that in our performances.
11:20 He's a great coach.
11:22 But also, obviously, he's got Larry and Daisy as well, who are working really, really well with us as well.
11:26 So, yes, it's a good set of staff and good set of players.
11:30 So, yes, we just need to keep going now.
11:31 And, obviously, you're here initially until January.
11:34 If there was an opportunity to stay longer, would you?
11:36 Yes, definitely.
11:37 Obviously, it's something that will probably get spoke about over the next coming months, weeks,
11:43 because it will fly by.
11:45 But first things first for me is, I'm just keeping my head down,
11:49 keep playing games and hopefully get this club where we think it can go.
11:55 And can you give us a little insight on how it works with Chesterfield?
11:58 Are you communicating with them each week or is it just as it goes?
12:01 It's just as it goes, really.
12:04 Obviously, I'm sure they'll be looking on, seeing how I'm doing.
12:07 And I know they've spoke to Daisy a few times.
12:09 So, yes, it's just for me.
12:11 But personally, I just want to keep going, keep playing as many games as possible and see where it takes us.
12:16 Yes, and they got quite a good draw in the FA Cup, didn't they? Portsmouth at home, wasn't it?
12:19 Yes, a great draw for them, obviously.
12:21 It's a club that they'll like to play against.
12:24 So, obviously, there's a few players there who used to be at Portsmouth as well.
12:28 So, I'm sure that's a good draw for them.
12:29 Yes, absolutely.
12:30 And I'm looking at Crewe on Saturday.
12:31 How tough a challenge is that going to be?
12:32 Yes, it's going to be really tough, but we've had a couple of weeks on the training pitch with no game on Saturday.
12:37 And it's only benefiting us as well.
12:40 So, yes, a couple of weeks on the training pitch.
12:42 We're ready to go.
12:44 There'll be a few little touch-ups tomorrow and Friday before the game.
12:48 But now we feel like we're going into the game on the back of a good week's training.
12:53 And we'll be ready to go there and hopefully get three points.
12:56 (LOGO)
12:58 (ALWAYS LEADING BY FAR)