Tommy: We want to win the Boro friendly (kick off 1pm)
By Ray Simpson
Darlington manager Tommy Wright says that he wants to win Saturday’s friendly with Middlesbrough at...
Darlington manager Tommy Wright says that he wants to win Saturday’s friendly with Middlesbrough at Blackwell Meadows. (kick off 1pm)
Quakers have played three friendlies so far – against Motherwell, Sunderland and PSV De Jong – and now he wants his team to win against the Boro and then Northallerton next Wednesday to put them in the right frame of mind for the start of the season against Curzon Ashton on 4th August.
“The first three matches have been very good for the players in terms of getting to know each other and building up fitness, especially the game in Eindhoven,” he said.
“The lads all got to know each other better on that trip, it has certainly bonded them together. They’ve certainly impressed in the last two games against Sunderland and Eindhoven.
“Now, I want to win these last two games by playing flat out and playing some more good football. These are the final preparations for the season in terms of matches, we’re starting to turn the screw now.”
There were one or two minor knocks reported by the players from the Eindhoven trip – Jordan Nicholson had an ankle injury that forced him out but he’s ok now – while Liam Hughes will return to the squad after being unavailable last week.
Skipper Reece Styche says that pre-season has gone really well so far. “Pre season is about getting fit and for players to get to know each other better, and we’ve succeeded in that so far.
“Eindhoven was also very good, in that we got to know the six new players.
“Saturday will be another tough game because we know that they have some very good players in their squad.
“I’m sure Joe Wheatley will be looking forward to the game against his old club, and will have a point to prove to them. He’s on a high at the moment after playing for England C and going on the V9 course.”
Meanwhile, Tommy, and assistant Alan White, are also building up their fitness for the big game against the Marathon Bet #NonLeague Challenge legends on the 29th July. They will be playing in the second half as part of the Darlo Legends team, which means that Tommy will be playing up front alongside his old team mate Chris Senior, who scored the winner at Wembley.
