In the build-up to Rovers’ trip to the ABAX Stadium to face Peterborough United, on what is to be frosty conditions, Tony Mowbray took some time out to speak to the clubs’ media team, to discuss the upcoming tie, and how he was to go about rotating his attacking options.
“There has been a change of mind-set since the start of the season, which is how we have done so well in November. We have found a formula that has worked and we have stuck to it. I think the defeat at Oldham was a watershed moment for me, we’d beaten Bradford, Scunthorpe and Rochdale playing a certain way which I didn’t enjoy, but I stuck to it as it was a winning formula. Since that defeat, the players have been put through an increased workload, which they’ve adapted to and worked hard to maintain. Hopefully they’re enjoying the way we are now playing and get the desired results in the process.
“The strikers are giving me a ‘nice’ headache, which is better than it was during the early stages of the season. When I look at the goalscoring charts, they’re all hovering around 6-8 goals. They’re all playing well and working really hard to maintain their places in the side. All the forwards understand that the selection policy is based off how our opponent’s set-up, which is good, as they understand that, if they haven’t been picked, it’s not because they’ve been poor. Saying that, they’re also aware that they can also be in with a chance to get picked for the next game.
“I wouldn’t say that the introduction of Joe Nuttall sparked the other forwards into life, but I’d say his introduction was more of a natural process of selection. Dominic Samuel had picked up a 3-match suspension, and Bradley Dack had some hamstring problems early season, so that naturally gave Joe the opportunity to come on, off the bench and show what he was capable off, which he did. Danny Graham also deserves a mention, as he’s been magnificent. For someone so experienced and historically prolific, he’s known that he’s not been able to start every game and he’s reacted to that immensely well, which is seen by his seasonal tally. When he has had the opportunity to start, he’s always either scored, or crafted a goal for somebody else, which shows how selfless he is. I’m delighted with them all, they’re all different types of strikers, who allow me to set-up the team in different ways.
“I’d prefer to keep clean sheet and outscore the opposition. I can see the frustration in our defenders when they come in after games, such as against Oxford and Blackpool where we had a couple of 4-2 victories, they were frustrated with the goals we concede despite winning both games. However, there are things that we can work on, we’ve been free-flowing in our attacking play recently and if we push more people forwards, we’re potentially exposing our defence, but I’m confident in our defenders that they can handle players pushing forwards.”
The manager was also questioned about Saturday’s opponents Peterborough United and how he anticipated they would play. Additionally, he was also asked whether any players would be returning from injury.
“Peterborough play expansive football and have some talented individuals who can make a difference, who we need to be mindful of. We’ll take a positive approach there and be on the front-foot. I think the players now believe in how we play, so we’ll go there and test the opposition defence, as we have been doing recently. Nobody, more than Elliott Bennett, is frustrated about his 4-match suspension, but we’ll cope without him. Craig Conway is close to returning after working hard in training this week, and it’s just an opportunity for other players, who will relish it. I’ll speak to Conway soon to see whether he feels that he’s ready to be thrown straight into the side, either way, he will travel to Peterborough as part of the matchday squad. Whatever the injuries and suspensions are, we need to keep going and focus and I’m sure that whoever comes in will do a good job and help us get the results.”
