Gareth Ainsworth is ready for another challenging fixture as Gillingham travel to Accrington Stanley on Saturday afternoon.
The Gills boss is aware of how difficult Accrington will make life for his side on Saturday. However, he has called upon his players to show their opposition the respect they deserve, as he knows that under no circumstances will they be underestimating Stanley.
With Tuesday's Jersey Mike's Trophy victory presenting the opportunity to get more minutes into the legs of first-team players building their fitness, Ainsworth knows of the selection headaches that will cause. However, he reiterated the need for everybody to play their part at the weekend.
The 53-year-old discussed the importance of being consistent as a manager. He also paid tribute to former Gillingham captain Doug Loft, who sadly passed away earlier this week.
On the difficult test that Accrington will pose...
I don't think about Accrington in any other way except as a competitive League Two professional outfit who will turn teams over. They are a very good outfit.
It is a really good club. They will scrap, they will fight, and they will compete with you. There is no way that you can underestimate Accrington, and we won't. I know what they are all about, and I have played against them enough times now to realise that the moment you think that it's going to be an easy day, you might as well go home with nothing, because that is what will happen if that is what your attitude is.
We have got to go there and be even tougher than last week, and be even tougher than the week before. Be solid, ready to compete, and ready to match the running that Accrington will do.
Selection headaches and needing everybody...
There are little niggles from some players, but you are hard pushed to change a winning formation. When players come back, it is going to be really tough for me. I have to make the decisions, and whatever I take up the road, I believe will be good enough. Whoever is staying at home, I know, is good enough as well. There are no hard feelings in that; it is the way that it is. It is football management, and you have to do it.
I am looking forward to seeing what we can do up there. Like I say, we are going to need everyone; we always do. The fans, I am sure, will travel brilliantly. Hopefully, they will be behind the goal at Accrington, where they open that up when the teams bring a lot. Hopefully, we can bring back some points because we are doing well in the league. I want to keep this winning feeling going.
Having consistency with a style of play...
That's consistency, which really helps in football, coaching, temperament and personality every day when the boys come in. Consistency is so important for me. You have to be a consistent manager because if you are up and down, then your players will be up and down. They know what they have got. They know their job, and they know their remit.
It's a steady thing that we are building all season, and I am really pleased. In summer, we had a good chat with the owners and with the recruitment team about recruiting for a certain style and system, and we did that.
Although last night (Tuesday vs Brighton Under 21s) we played a 4-2-3-1, which was very exciting and going forward it was great. We can do both. I have gone to that a couple of times in first-team games, but at the moment, with the five at the back, it has been working pretty good.
A tribute to the late Doug Loft...
It is absolutely terrible news. All that we can say is that our thoughts and prayers from everyone at Gillingham go to his family. I have got connections at both clubs where he made his superb name, and all I know is that he was an absolute gentleman on and off the pitch. He was a real competitor and was way too young to be lost.
If there is one thing that we can say, is to live life to the full, without a doubt. Savour every single moment.
Rest in peace, Doug. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
