GAV’S GLAD TO BE BRACK IN THE MIX
BRACKLEY TOWN welcome Chorley this afternoon without defeat in their last 12 games – and boss Gavin Cowan knows there’s no point overthinking it now.
The Saints missed out in last season’s play-off final to Kidderminster Harriers but are back in the promotion race once again.
They were able to put their feet up in the week while their semi-final opponents won their Eliminator against Curzon Ashton on penalties.
And former AFC Telford United manager Cowan says the can’t wait to take on the challenge of reaching another final.
“We’ve put ourselves in a great position,” Cowan told The NLP. “Obviously at the start of the year we signed 18 players – a couple of existing – but all new contracts and a very new group. We had to change a few of the backroom staff, medical staff, new culture.
“It took a little bit of time to gel but we knew the process was there. It’s been a really good run of form – we’d love to cap it off with the ultimate goal.
“The players have conducted themselves impeccably. They are really mature the way they go about it. I know it’s a bit cliché but we’ve spoken about each game as it comes.
“In this case, it’s just another game. Yes, of course, the magnitude of it is different. But in house the players are mentally and physically strong. It’s another game we need to ultimately win.
“It’s that old saying,
‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’. The lads are aware of what’s coming. They’re excited to get out on the grass. Credit to our medical and strength and conditioning staff, we’re peaking at the right time.
“The lads know what they’ve got to do. Mentally and physically they’re at their peak – they’ve just got to bring a good level of attitude and application now.”
Cowan took over last summer but he’d already had a first-hand glimpse of what he was taking on having spent the final weeks of the campaign supporting interim manager, and former Nuneaton team-mate, Gareth Dean following the departure of Roger Johnson.
“Coming into help Gaz was non-negotiable really – it was a case of: I need you, you need to come in tonight,” Cowan said. “It all happened quickly. The intention was to go in to support and, as time went on, it seemed a really good fit or everyone.
“I got a sneak peek at the club. The hierarchy, the players, the fans have a really unique connection that, I think, is the envy of a lot of football clubs.
“It’s been an incredible year. I’d love nothing more than to reach our goal on behalf of the supporters.”