Herbert: “We’re ready—no excuses, just one more push”
Manager Chris Herbert says the squad are “right up for it” ahead of a huge playoff clash, as 1874 Northwich look to take the next step in their progression.
Speaking in the build-up to the game, Herbert highlighted the belief and momentum within the dressing room.
“The lads are right up for it,” he said. “We’ve been in great form recently and we need to carry that on. We have to go and take it—we’re ready, and there can be no excuses. We know the job in hand.”
For Herbert, the occasion is significant—but the objective remains clear.
“My job is to bring success to 1874 Northwich,” he explained. “I’m very lucky to have the best coaching staff around me. Steve Burr, Mark Reed, Lee Jones and Mark Corbett have been different class in our preparations.
“This game is huge to us all. There’s no use getting this far and going out with a whimper. It’s important to keep the club moving forward.”
The Greens will have to contend with several absentees going into the match, with suspensions and injuries forcing changes. Jacson Coppack and John McGrath are both suspended, while Mark Jones, Adam Hughes, Niall Osbourne and Mike Hayes are sidelined through injury. Shaun Weaver is also unavailable.
“They will all be a huge loss,” Herbert admitted, “but we have to cope. We have good lads coming in.”
Despite the stakes, Herbert insists the approach will not change.
“Our preparation is to keep calm and keep doing what we’ve been doing. We’ve worked so hard to get here—just one more big push.”
The magnitude of the occasion is heightened by the opposition, with a derby clash adding extra intensity.
“It’s a derby against Northwich Victoria, who haven’t been beaten at home all season—that’s a huge achievement,” Herbert said. “They will be favourites, but it’s up to us to go there and cause an upset.
“All records are there to be broken, and hopefully we can take that unbeaten record from them and win the playoffs.”
Herbert knows what victory would mean to both club and supporters.
“For the fans, it’s about bragging rights—who is the best team in the town. As a club, we want progression; it all comes hand in hand. Big games need big results. We have to be focused.”
With a large following expected, Herbert had a clear message for the supporters.
“We want to hear the fans from start to finish to drive the lads on,” he said. “They’ve been unbelievable, and we just want to make you all proud.
“Let’s be on the front foot from the first whistle.”