1874 boss Chris Herbet has said his players are ready and has urged the travelling supporters to get behind his side, as they prepare for today’s showdown with Atherstone Town.
Herbert and his management team have dramatically changed the fortunes of the club on the pitch in the last 12 months, with an almost complete squad rebuild resulting in a playoff berth being secured.
On assessing the season, Herbet said:
“I have had to do a rebuild a few times in my managerial career. Like any rebuild it can be very frustrating trying to get the right lads in, there is always going to be a lot of ins and outs while you are trying to get things right.”
“A lot of the teams in this league have been together a long time and know each other’s games and also the teams in this league already knew what the opponents were like from day one which is a luxury we didn’t have; we went in blind and had to do our homework work as the season got underway.”
“It’s credit to the lads, being so professional in the way they have handled all the changes and kept to the task in hand. They have been excellent and the changing room has big characters, which keeps the lads going.”
When asked about facing Atherstone and whether there was a motivation to gain revenge for the previous result there, Herbert was quick to dismiss this.
“It’s not so much revenge, as we dug our own grave in the last visit to Atherstone, we were terrible that night.”
“Atherstone are a very good side who play to their strengths, if we are not at our best we won’t get the result we want, it is a simple as that.”
“They are no mugs and their form over the last 20 games has been unbelievably consistent and they deserve the accolades they are getting.”
“On the flip side, we know what we are about, and we know on our day we are a match for any team at this standard. We have to get it right.”
“I can feel the buzz around the place, from the changing rooms to the fans.”
“We are ready, it’s all on us now.”
Finally, ahead of the most important game of his tenure as ’74 boss, Herbert sent this message to the supporters.
“It never ceases to amaze me how good our support is, they have travelled all season to watch us and support us.
“We need you more than ever on Saturday. Atherstone have been big on social media showing what the game means to them and wanting to let Northwich know what they are about. We need to have the same enthusiasm off the pitch, which in turn helps push the lads on in their performance. It’s a big day for both towns, but I know which town will be the loudest.”
“Let’s just turn up in our numbers and be louder than ever.”