Ahead of Yeovil Town’s fixture against Altrincham, manager Billy Rowley spoke to BBC Somerset’s Ian Randall to discuss his side’s impressive unbeaten run, recent tactical dilemmas, and the goal-scoring form driving the team forward.
”It’s so difficult to pick a team,” Rowley noted, explaining that he’s had to leave players out of the matchday squad entirely for this game.
With players returning from injury, including Zain Westbrook coming back from a slight knock and the registration of new addition Seb Naylor, Rowley has plenty of options.
Discussing the versatile Naylor, Rowley stated:
“His upbringing and grounding at Man City and Bristol City has been superb… He adds a lot of depth to our squad.” Confirming that the youngster, who can play anywhere on the left side of defence or midfield had bee on their radar for a couple of weeks.
The Glovers have netted an impressive 20 goals in their last four games, a statistic Rowley attributes to a healthy combination of chance creation and clinical finishing.
“We’re working really hard every day to become a better outfit going forward… I do feel like the the chemistry and the relationships on the pitch are starting to form a little bit quicker than than I expected, which is which is obviously great. And I think it’s a credit to the lads’ hard work every day, but also their I don’t know, just the bonds they’re forming off the pitch
Addressing the decision to name Brett McGavin as captain with Joe Gubbins as vice-captain Rowley emphasised that it is purely down to the exceptional form of other players like Jack Kingdon, Radcliffe, and Jordan Norville.
”Gubbs is a top professional, an unbelievable player… [he] will play obviously a lot of football for us,” Rowley said. “It’s just one of those spells and periods where the other lads are playing so well and you’re just going to have to be ready.”
Turning his attention to Altrincham, who have won eight of their last ten matches, Rowley expects a tough test against a fluid, possession-based side.
“One of the possession-based teams in the league along with us, and probably, you know, five or six others that really value the ball,” Rowley noted.
“Stylistically, I’d probably rather be playing them in this weather than maybe like the team that values, you know, crashing the ball in the box every time they get it,” he added. “So we’re both a footballing team… we’re both going to have to deal with it and, you know, may the best team win.”