Swindon Town Boss Dave Flitcroft sat down with the local press earlier today to preview our Sky Bet League Two fixture against Crewe Alexandra on Saturday.
- Boss covers a whole range of topics.
- Timi Elsnik's return is discussed.
- Gaffer outlines what he expects to face from Crewe.
- Flitcroft also provides the latest update on the transfer front.
ON TIMI ELSNIK:
"We went up to St George's Park on Monday to see Timi play 65-minutes and it was a fantastic performance, not just from Timi but from Derby and Timi was the instigator in that.
"He looked fantastic and the rehab he's had has been second to none at Derby.
"They had a new technique that they tried on him so it was great to see Timi in action. We had a game against Bristol Rovers that he could have potentially played in but Derby were playing at St George's Park and they've got a fantastic surface, they've got medical staff support and it was great to see him do the game.
"He did recovery yesterday and he trained with us today so I'm delighted that Timi is involved and he will be involved on Saturday.
"Timi loves that pressure and he told me today that he's buzzing to be back and playing in-front of fans and playing for fans again.
"I'm excited Timi is back with us."
- Click HERE to read the interview in full.
- Gaffer also provides an injury update.
ON CREWE ALEXANDRA:
"Back in December the Window was shut and they had a few injuries, but they've been able to get the spine of the team stronger this month and they've brought some more players in.
"They've got different weapons in their armoury and they seem to have gone for a bit more experience with Paul Green in midfield and they've got some loan signings.
"David (Artell) has assessed where they were at and it can be difficult to change the impact sometimes when the loan window is shut, but having that window of opportunity to bring players in, to change the squad and to drive competition is something they've been able to take advantage of.
"They will be a different looking team but I think they will still play the Crewe way and they will move the ball around the pitch - that is what playing a Crewe team does reflect."
ON TRANSFERS:
"It is still ongoing and we might have a couple of outgoings and we might also have a possible incoming.
"We keep assessing the situation and there is nothing over the line yet.
"We are keeping an eye on the situation."
ON THE MONTH AHEAD:
"January has been about trying to get the balance of the squad right.
"I've said to all the players that February is a critical month because it is Saturday-Tuesday, Saturday-Tuesday so you've got an opportunity to change it up because it is a physical and demanding league.
"It does give us an opportunity to change it up if you've got like for like to change it up, so February is going to be a massive month with having so many games.
"It does offer fantastic competition and you either give in to the challenge or you rise to the challenge - I'll be looking for players who are driven by competition and ambition."
