Western Daily Press (Saturday)
We ‘deserve to be here’, insists Forest Green boss
FOREST Green boss Ian Burchnall is relishing the prospect of hosting “one of the top three teams in the division” when Ipswich Town travel to the Bolt New Lawn this afternoon.
In the first-ever league meeting between the two sides, it marks yet another history-making day for the side from Nailsworth.
“You look across the board at their team, and it could easily look like a Championship team, so I think it’s a great test for us,” said Burchnall.
“It’s a league fixture. We have every right to be playing Ipswich. We know they’re a very good team, but we deserve to be here,” he stressed.
Town are seen as one of the real favourites to win the League One title this season but started their campaign with a 1-1 home draw with fellow pre-season frontrunners, Bolton Wanderers.
Their ability to control the game and take a vice-like grip on proceedings after their equaliser impressed the Rovers boss.
But focusing on what his side can deliver, Burchnall has no desire to change tactics despite facing one of the hotly tipped promotion hopefuls.
“I think it’ll be a fast start. We’ll intend to start fast, and I think they’ll try and match that.
“I watched their game against Bolton, and it was full throttle from minute one as ours was against Bristol Rovers, so I don’t expect it to be too cagey,” said Burchnall.
Town have shown real intent in the transfer market having signed former Leeds United full-back Leif Davis for more than £1million, as well as Marcus Harness from Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of £600k.
The strength in depth that the Tractor Boys possess is something that Burchnall will look to implement at FGR, but he remains focussed on today’s challenge in the short term.
“I don’t pay too much attention to the money. We know they should be at the top end of the league this season, so for us a great chance to see where we’re at,” added Burnchall.
Day one of the League One season could not have ended any sweeter with a 2-1 win away at Bristol Rovers, and FGR’s ability to turn defence into attack at speed will ensure this will be no easy task for the visitors.
If they are to produce another stern defensive display this week, keeping striker Freddie Ladapo quiet will be high on the agenda.
Burchnall continued: “He’s a strong number nine, he can do a lot of different things. He can bring the ball in, he can run in behind, and he’s a threat in the box. Absolutely he’s a good centre forward that we’re going to have to take care of.”
With Harry Boyes and Matty Stevens set for an extended time on the treatment table, Forest Green’s creative midfielder Armani Little has also been side-lined this week and Burchnall confirmed: “Armani Little is a doubt, he hasn’t trained this week.”
Some fans will remember the days when Ipswich Town were one of the feared teams in the English game, but on this special day for the Nailsworth football club, the excitement will only continue to grow as the expectation continues to rise.
“It’s a massive day for the club, a team with the calibre of Ipswich is coming to the New Lawn, and we know they’re a top, top team in this division.”