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Moat boss is forced to pick and choose games
Story courtesy of Glenn Brookes - Burton Mail
John McGinlay
Facing nine games in 20 days, Gresley Rovers boss John McGinlay has admitted he will be forced to chop and change his side - and field the strongest teams in matches he thinks the Moatmen have more chance of getting something out of.
Rovers' hectic run begins at home to Cirencester tonight (7.45), before games on Thursday, Saturday and next Monday and Wednesday.If that was not enough, the last two weekends of the month will see them play on both the Saturday and Sunday following the postponement of the weekend clash at Weston -super-Mare.
Said the Moat boss this morning: "Playing Saturday and Sunday on two consecutive weekends is not fair on the players. That is their whole weekend wiped out and they would not ask full time professionals to play two games in two days. It is not fair on the supporters either because when their team has to play two games in two days it is going to have an effect on the performances."
And the Moat boss admits the situation has forced his hand when it comes to team selection.
"The way I have got to go is to look at the games I think we have a better chance of getting something out of and fielding stronger sides in those games," said McGinlay. "Also, some players are going to struggle getting time off work for some games. Take, for example, Thursday when we have to go to Tiverton - our longest trip of the season. Some players will not be able to get time off work. I am hoping to get something out of all the games, but the situation means a lot of players will be given a chance. Some of them will be surprised at being given a chance, but some good always comes out of bad situations and those that come in to the side will have the chance to stake their claim."
With Rovers having not played for over a week, McGinlay will name an almost full strength side at home to Cirencester tonight.
Midfielder Mark Peters serves the final game of a two-match ban, while striker Shaun Bedward faces a late fitness test on a foot injury which would have kept him out of Saturday's game had it been played.
Gresley from: Lindley, Roberts, Verity, Gardner, Donaldson, Woolley, Forsyth, Wardle, Broadhurst, Bedward, Tucker, Coates, Grant, Sangha, Middleton.
