Town boss Wild is gearing up for a crucial Christmas period
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When asked if the team that started against Wrexham had done enough to remain in place for Saturday, Wild said: “Let’s see how they train. I see them every day, and I know what they can do. I know when they’re not fit, I know when they’re off the mark, I know when they’re ill, so I take that into consideration.”
Midfielder Jeff King has got another seven-to-10 days before he goes back to see if he needs an operation on his broken hand sustained in the 2-0 defeat at Yeovil. With King expected to be Halifax’s only absentee, Wild feels he is in the best place he has been all season in terms of strength-in-depth.
“Jack (Redshaw) did really well on Saturday. He was a great addition, but then I look at the bench and (Liam) McAlinden didn’t get on, Cam King was on there, so there’s 21 lads now pushing for 16 spots, 11 starting spots, and that’s what we need, especially at this time of the year with so many games in such a small space of time because I need players ready to go when I ask for them.”
Notts County were joint-favourites for promotion at the start of the season, but are five points adrift of Halifax, and come into the game in 12th place in the National League.
“The whole season’s been an achievement so far and we can’t get away from that fact,” Wild said. “Where we are is an excellent achievement and full credit to the players, but we’re desperate to continue that, have a good Christmas period and make sure that come January 1, we’re still in the play-offs and still amongst it.
“Christmas is massive for us. Come January 4 at Barnet, if we’re still around it then we’ll be 30 games in and be in with a really good chance.”
Town are thought to have three players out-of-contract next month, but Wild insists work is being done behind-thescenes to extend those deals.
“We’re trying to tie people down but it’s not an easy process,” he said. “If we don’t retain them, I’m confident I’ve got players who are equally as good ready to come in, so I’m prepared for both eventualities.”
On midfielder Jack Earing, who was made available for loan a few weeks ago, Wild said: “We’re hoping to get Jack out in the next couple of days. We’ve got a team that wants to take him and hopefully by the end of the week we’ll have resolved that.”
But Wild said there was no such move in the pipeline for Jacob Hanson, and does not anticipate any additions to his squad until next month, adding: “I’ll probably stay with what we’ve got at the moment and then wait for January.”