" Carlisle is the only game in our minds at the moment, and the players are in good heart after Saturday's win. We've reviewed the performance and picked out some areas where we can improve, and our training has reflected that. I didn't see Carlisle that often when I was with Norwich, but when I was working at Newcastle, I made regular trips across there.
" They've certainly got some decent players - they showed that by reaching the play-offs last season - and they remain a dangerous side. Greg Abbott will be starting to get things the way he wants them, and Boxing Day will be a big challenge for us. It's one we're looking forward to, but it's vital we go there with the right mindset, and while taking the positives from beating Hereford, we won't be dwelling on that result."" We will go to Carlisle with the intention of winning the game, just as we will for every game. We know it will be very tough at Brunton Park as they have an enthusiastic and passionate crowd up there and they have some good players too. I feel that they are probably in a false position in the League and we will have to be at our very best in order to get a result there.
" I have met Greg (Abbott) one or two times when I have taken teams to Carlisle from Newcastle. I thought he was a bit unlucky to be overlooked when their managerial job was available last time, as he came in and did a very good job as Caretaker. It seemed like a natural progression to promote him from his job as Assistant Manager this time and I wish him all the best - after the game against us on Boxing Day, when we will be looking to take three points off him. "
" The recovery has been as important as the training for us since the Hereford game due to the quick turnaround. We have to make sure that the lads will be as fresh as possible when the opportunity comes to get out onto the pitch. The players are looking fit and we are looking forward to the game.
" Obviously it is quite a journey back from Carlisle and if we do any work after the game, it will be a bit of video analysis and a conversation between us - I don't think much will happen on the training pitch. We need the lads who are playing to get their recovery in ahead of the Scunthorpe game."
"Everything is clearing up - we only have Joe Skarz and Andy Booth on the injured list and they are both progressing very well. Skarzy could potentially be back in training in the next week to ten days and we are looking forward to getting them both back, as they will be an asset to what we are trying to do here."
" The fans are always massively important - they can be the difference between us winning and losing games. It's an old cliché, but they can really be the 12th man. Their support of the team in our game against Hereford on Saturday was absolutely magnificent from start to finish and if they can keep that level up when things aren't going so well for us in games, that could give the lads the confidence to rescue wins from losing positions. The fans will be absolutely vital for us this season."