Going into the Charlton game, does it make selection easier or more difficult when you’re playing well and the team’s doing a good job?
It’s called a high-quality problem when you’re a manager and your team’s winning and you’ve got competition for places and you’ve scored a few goals and you have to think who you’re going to select in a good way.
I haven’t thought about it yet, but we’ve got some competition for places and I’m looking at ways I can improve it and where we can add things with our coaching or our training or whatever it may be.
But it’s a good problem to have.
In terms of that, you have quite rightly been saying you need to get to know the players and what their strengths and weaknesses are. You’re obviously getting closer every time, but do you feel you’re getting to the point where you feel you’re comfortable with that yet?
Yeah, I’m getting closer to the motion we play at. Now I’m trying to pick off some details. There were four or five points I made in the dressing room afterwards on Saturday that I’d only seen for the first time.
The last 20 minutes, how we did this, how we should have done that. If you’re going to fail, fail this way, don’t fail that way. All the sorts of things, the nuts and bolts that put a performance together which actually accumulate percentage decisions which ultimately get results.
In terms of planning further ahead than that, obviously January is not far away now. Are you having to do that usual thing in December of having to balance all these matches while also thinking what you’re going to do come (the transfer window)?
It’s in your mind all the time. In December it’s a topic every day, so yes is the answer to that. I’m leaning on Tommy and Martyn in the boardroom for their knowhow of the situation for Bristol Rovers, but I’ve already got a feel for what I think we should do.
I’m not expecting names and numbers, but do you have a sense of how busy you’re likely to be in January with outgoings and incomings?
No, not yet.
OK, let’s talk about Charlton. Again, there are a fair few teams in this league with a big stadium and a big budget. Another tough test.
Yeah, but it’s one we should embrace and look forward to and enjoy the challenges.
You can’t be a professional sportsman and not look fondly on a tough challenge, and Tuesday is a long trip. Let’s get stuck in.
I guess the sheer treadmill you’re on at the moment, if you’re losing game in game out it can be quite tough, but when you’ve won three on the bounce it can be a good thing.
Yeah, but it can go the other way very quickly. In the space of five days you can lose another two, so it’s all about the next game now.
Hi Paul, is Anssi Jaakkola in with a chance of playing on Tuesday?
He could be fit for Tuesday. We need competition for places and there is no reason why Jordi can’t keep his place and Anssi’s still fit.
As a manager, until I know all the info, it’s hard to say, but I want every player to be fit as quick as possible.
I saw James Daly wearing a protective boot on his left foot. How long is he going to be out for?
That is going to rumble on for a couple of weeks I think.
