Freedman - Spirit and belief

Wanderers face Middlesbrough at the Reebok on Saturday afternoon, aiming to extend their run of consecutive wins on their own patch to eight.

Speaking in his pre-match press briefing at Euxton, Freedman said: “I’m feeling very excited to be in this positions. Right now I’m proud of the way the players are performing and their commitment towards winning games is terrific. 

“The one thing we’ve got at the moment is the spirit and belief amongst our group.

“This weekend we’ve got a game against Middlesbrough that we can’t really afford to lose. We’re going to throw everything at it, though I don’t think a point would be the worst result in the world. Saying that, it’s a game we’re looking to win.

“When I first came here we maybe had too many draws, so in these last three games we’re going to have to open up a bit. We’re capable of doing that, scoring goals, and we’ve got a fantastic record at the Reebok recently.

“The lads are feeling very fit and strong and everything is there to suggest that we can go on and win these next three games.”

The manager also took time to comment on the recent injuries sustained by David Ngog and Jay Spearing, whose respective seasons look to have come to a premature end, adding: “This is why I bring players in and coach them before I throw them in at the deep end. I understand that you’re going to get injuries, suspensions and players that are out of form. 

“Certain players at the club have been training very hard, waiting for their opportunity. Medo and Craig Davies are prime examples of that.

“The injuries are big blows for us, but I’m not a manager who makes excuses. We’ve got a good squad, with everyone pulling in the right direction. It’s now up for some of the players to step up to the plate.”