North End manager Simon Grayson has said that he is pleased for the supporters of Coventry City that he can take his side to their proper home for this weekend’s game.
Speaking ahead of the clash with Steven Pressley’s Sky Blues, the North End boss was happy to be playing at the Ricoh Arena instead of a second visit to Sixfields in as many years.
“I’m glad that it is back at the Ricoh for their supporters and the football club, but also the bigger stadium suits us as well,” said Simon.
“No disrespect to Northampton, but going to Sixfields is no comparison and the bigger pitch with open spaces might allow us to go and play.
“You have to deal with more supporters and a better atmosphere, but we are looking forward to it. They are a good team. We had two cracking games against them last year.
“They have good players, have high energy levels and it is going to be a tough game for us, but, as we say every week, I am sure they are well aware of what we can do too.
“We got done by Coventry twice last season with late goals to deny us victories, most notably the one at home, so we maybe owe them a late goal this weekend!
“They break quickly, have some pace and power about them with Frank Nouble and Simeon Jackson, so we will go there knowing we have to try and keep a clean sheet and work them offensively as well.”
This has been a rare week for the Lilywhites, without a midweek fixture and this has been of beneficial for the manager, especially with a midweek game for some of the squad: “We’ve done some good work with the players,” he continued.
“Most of the first team players who didn’t play last weekend played against Rochdale in a 90 minute game, so people like Kyel Reid played 85 minutes and looked really sharp.
“Callum Robinson also played to integrate him into the team and others all got a good run out as well, so it was a worthwhile exercise.”
Heading to Coventry the gaffer is looking for another performance where the possession leads to chances and feels that if they can replicate their passing against Crawley, they can get a positive result.
“You have to keep the ball and if you move it backwards and sideways then you can open a team up.
“We had a move just before half-time against Crawley where we made 30 passes.
“People were urging us to get it forward quicker, but we got it where we wanted to and created a very good opportunity – ultimately if we have the ball, the opposition can’t do anything about it,” he added.
“I’m glad that it is back at the Ricoh for their supporters and the football club, but also the bigger stadium suits us as well,” said Simon.
“No disrespect to Northampton, but going to Sixfields is no comparison and the bigger pitch with open spaces might allow us to go and play.
“You have to deal with more supporters and a better atmosphere, but we are looking forward to it. They are a good team. We had two cracking games against them last year.
“They have good players, have high energy levels and it is going to be a tough game for us, but, as we say every week, I am sure they are well aware of what we can do too.
“We got done by Coventry twice last season with late goals to deny us victories, most notably the one at home, so we maybe owe them a late goal this weekend!
“They break quickly, have some pace and power about them with Frank Nouble and Simeon Jackson, so we will go there knowing we have to try and keep a clean sheet and work them offensively as well.”
This has been a rare week for the Lilywhites, without a midweek fixture and this has been of beneficial for the manager, especially with a midweek game for some of the squad: “We’ve done some good work with the players,” he continued.
“Most of the first team players who didn’t play last weekend played against Rochdale in a 90 minute game, so people like Kyel Reid played 85 minutes and looked really sharp.
“Callum Robinson also played to integrate him into the team and others all got a good run out as well, so it was a worthwhile exercise.”
Heading to Coventry the gaffer is looking for another performance where the possession leads to chances and feels that if they can replicate their passing against Crawley, they can get a positive result.
“You have to keep the ball and if you move it backwards and sideways then you can open a team up.
“We had a move just before half-time against Crawley where we made 30 passes.
“People were urging us to get it forward quicker, but we got it where we wanted to and created a very good opportunity – ultimately if we have the ball, the opposition can’t do anything about it,” he added.