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Club News

Bonner on Accrington

12 August 2021

Club News

Bonner on Accrington

12 August 2021

Ahead of Saturday's first away game of the season, at Accrington Stanley, Mark Bonner discusses all the big talking points heading into the fixture...

  • On the Carabao Cup draw…

"It is a good draw. A home game would have been a challenge because we have already got three at home in a tight spot and it is close to us [geographically], which is really helpful in a busy month. It will be a really tough challenge but we have got three games before that in the league and I am sure it will be a real challenge for us and one to look forward to in a few week's time.

"We know that this month is a really busy one it is going to really test us and the whole squad and we hope everyone is going to come through that OK. It is a game we wanted, we wanted to qualify and in due course we will look forward to it."

  • On what to expect from Accrington…

"They have got some real size, power and a terrific front two. They will make you defend; they are an aggressive team and they can play. They can play but they will make you defend. It will be their first home games in-front of fans so you know the extra energy and buzz that brings and history shows, Accrington away is a tough game for anybody.

"We will have to have the right mind-set and mentality going there and be ready for all the challenges that will come. We will have to be strong physically, defend our box well and make sure that we are good in possession of the ball and use our moments well, because we know they will be there for us."

  • On Accrington's growth as a Club...

"They have done it really well. People call them a small club with a small budget but they are never anywhere near in consideration to struggle in the league. It is huge testament to what John has done and how the club has grown and developed over time.

"They are making good progress and edging forward little by little and balancing that act of investing in the team and the Club at the same time. They are a good model for us to go down and if we can emulate the sort of things they have done, and consolidate themselves at our level, that would be a great thing for us. We are really respectful of the work they have done and how they have developed as a Club."

  • On the fitness of Okedina and Jones...

"We will see this morning how they report. We are travelling tomorrow, so between today and tomorrow we have got to determine whether they are fit and capable of travelling with us and contributing, or whether it is something that will keep them out.

"Unsure at the moment but if they are available, great, but if not, we will find a way of being competitive in the game. In terms of where they are at the moment, we are not 100%."


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