Coleman ready for big kick-off
SHELDAN KEAY
ACCRINGTON Stanley manager John Coleman admits his side are full of confidence ahead of the League Two opener with Luton Town next week.
The Reds picked up yet another pre-season win on Tuesday after defeating Rochdale 1-0 at the Store First Stadium.
Coleman’s side take part in their final friendly when they host Blackpool tonight (Friday), and he has been happy with his team’s performances over the last few weeks.
“It’s only pre-season but these wins are good for confidence and the clean sheets will do the two goalkeepers the world of good as well,” he said.
“Everyone is keen to learn and while the players might still be making mistakes, they’re eliminating a number of them each week.
“We had a chat with the players after the match against Rochdale about making sure they believe in themselves and each other. Everyone is setting high standards and it shouldn’t always be me and Jimmy Bell dishing out the ear-bashing, they should expect more from each other.
“Fitness-wise we are nearly there but we won’t rest on our laurels and we’ll continue to sharpen up more over the next week.
“We have to keep our feet on the ground and we’ll have a better idea of where we are for the opening game after this week.
“It’s been difficult for me to give everyone a chance in these final two friendlies but we have a good set of lads who are all prepared to work hard for each other.
“They accept that only 11 can play at any one time but they are all pushing for places and that’s good.”
Stanley’s victory over Rochdale came after a second-half goal from 21-year-old forward Shay McCartan.
The Northern Irishman is currently out of con- tract, but Coleman expected those issues to be resolved soon as the Observer went to press.
“The deal with Shay is more or less done so it’s just about getting it signed now,” he said.
“He can play in numerous positions and is definitely a handful when he gets on the ball. If you give him the chances then he is capable of scoring them.
“It was a good composed finish against Rochdale and he made some other good chances too, so I was happy with his performance.”
McCartan is the latest Accrington player to impress the boss, leaving Coleman with a selection headache.
“Everyone who is getting an opportunity is taking it. Some of the football we have played has been really good,” he said.
“When we get the ball, we use it really well.
“We’ve got be confident in getting teams on the back-foot and we want our football to be pleasing on the eye.”