PRESS CONFERENCE: Alexander previews Sky Bet League One season

Great, good to see you again. Um look, I'll start with the topic that seems to be the big talking point for any City fan at the moment, the position of Sam Walker. It's obviously been widely reported that he's close to finalizing a move to to Watford. Um is there anything you can update us on regarding his situation? >> Um no, that's pretty much what what it is at the moment. So, it's a little bit of limbo. Um I think obviously the wheels are in motion. Um we've had our conversations. He's He's He's with them at the moment speaking and and doing the medicals and all that sort of thing. So, yeah, we're just waiting to see what happens. We've got a goalkeeper in training with us ready to go if if um the the deal is confirmed. And um yeah, so it's just a waiting game at the moment. >> I presume it's a tricky one as a manager, particularly given some of the rule changes that we've spoken about recently as well, the knock-on effects, the domino effect it can have in terms of movement. Has it been tricky to manage? >> Um it was uh last week after speaking to Sam cuz obviously it came out of the blue when he when he came to speak to me last Wednesday. So, um yeah, then you know, I listened to him. You know, you know, great guy, everything like that. So, I could see his his reasons and everything. But then, you know, my my priority manager had gone straight away and it's right, what what do we do to to um you know, facilitate this to make it work for all parties and so forth. So, that's where it's been really and and then [clears throat] that was over the weekend. And then we've obviously got into this week and it's sort of um the the sort of potential deal was sort of confirmed on Monday and now it's just going through the the final bits. So, you know, I don't expect there to be any um issues. You know, he's fit guy. He's played what I think 120 league games on the bounce for us. So, um yeah, if it all goes through, then we're ready to act and um and crack on. But yeah, I don't the rules at the moment are uh not involved in this. It's just um a straight uh transaction of a player leaving and a player coming in. >> On the presumption that it all goes through as expected, what what reflections would you have on Sam Walker as a a goalkeeper and what he's done for this football club? >> It just um Well, it's it's weird cuz you know, uh speaking in past tense where >> Yeah. >> I know what football's like sometimes. You know, sometimes I'm but well, my my views and uh on thoughts on Sam documented but you know, as I said to him last week um you know, when we I sort of agreed that it is um the best thing for him. I you know, I actually said, "I'm going to miss you." And I got to I'm genuinely going to miss him if if it does go through. I think he's been absolute um diamond of a of a of a man, brilliant uh goalkeeper for us, you know, the success we've had, our defensive record. Um he's played every single league game since he joined us 2 and 1/2 years ago. So, great resilience after a period of not being a a regular uh starter for a team. Um and that that's part of it, what you guys see on the pitch and that. The the other part of him behind the scenes and how uh consistent he's been uh mentally for the for the squad, for for the staff, with with everything. He's been through the the lows we've had in that time, come out the other side, and he's been a big driving force in that changing room, on that training field in a positive way, a always a positive force and a a voice of calm. Um so, it's someone you need every day like you know, he We've had other captains but he's like been the godfather, if you know what I mean, of the squad. It is it's like that. I I sort of I said that's not it. It actually And that's quite a good line to describe him. You know, he's uh he you know, everyone communicates with him and and vice versa. So, um look, if this is the the of the road with us, then absolute 10 out of 10 for for signing the guy and and getting to know him and and his impact on us as a club without a shadow of a doubt. >> Yeah. Um in terms of preparation then for for this week, obviously moving parts. I suspect it hasn't had too great of an impact on on what's happened for you as a as a training group and how you go about your business. >> No, look, the whole thing and I you know, when I was talking to Sam last week, you know, cuz he was sort of a little a little bit apologetic coming to me um you know, just before the season starting and sort of having this uh this thought process and it but he'd actually, you know, in the summer when we'd spoke about how we were going to um sort of bring the extra competition in and everything, but it's a it's a it's a free start for everybody, you know what I mean? Um but he was the number one you know, with the backing of it with his number and everything. Um but he did say to me, he goes, "Look, this will be my last year away from home regardless, even if he played 50 games this season. He was going home at the end of the season, so I knew you know, some somewhere along the way and you know, I was speaking to him the other day, you know, like I say, he was a bit apologetic about putting on me. I said, "Listen, the the thing I've been trying to drive this club to be in this team to be is never dependent on any one person and that's regardless who it is, you know, it's the the group, the the the environment, the club has got to be stronger than any one individual and and and he's been a big driver of that when we've lost big characters and big personalities before. So, you know, he knows how we work, you know what I mean? But um yeah, look, he's I and I I wouldn't look for anybody to actually directly replace him like as in off the pitch and everything. I think he was quite a unique person in that, but um obviously, you feel a a big presence in goal. Uh I think John played really well last week and he's shown his quality and we believe if it goes through the keeper that we have in mind who's who who will join is um we'll still have that competition that we want for the number one spot. >> Yeah. In terms of Saturday then and reflecting on how the season started for you, what are your takeaways from what you were able to do obviously progressing through but performance-wise as well? >> I think it was a real good game for us. I think it was a real tough game cuz like they've been on a journey of success and you know, so you always take that forward and that positive energy. So as it has been with us, so we knew they were going to come here confident about how they were going to play and they weren't going to, you know, come here and try and play second best. So it was a good game for us and I thought they had their your palm in the first 10-15 minutes. We were a little bit sluggish in our press and our connection and everything but once we got to grips with that I thought we we showed what a team we could be. Obviously the goal just before half time was was important for us but in the second half I thought we were the dominant team. They had an opportunity just after half time. But after that we controlled the game, we controlled the the tempo of the game, we scored another goal, we could have had more. So from that perspective, winning boxed it, clean sheet, good, through to next round and obviously some things to improve on going into the league program on Saturday but a lot of positives to recycle, show the players you know, how good we can be when we do certain things and the quality we have within the ranks and we just sort of emphasize that this week over and over again which will be a continual sort of process throughout the season anyway. Where do we improve? But look how good we are and and so forth. So I think it was a really good start to the season for us. >> Yeah. Have you been able to welcome back anyone into training? I know Steven and and George were were absent. >> Yeah, so both of those guys joined in on Monday and they've they've trained every day. So obviously they they need to catch up on what they've missed out on. Obviously two different sort of workloads between the two cuz someone's missed more than the other but no, I think today, to be fair, was um the first day, I think, for probably since we came in that everybody's out on the training pitch, so um hopefully [clears throat] it will stay that way. You know, it's great when we've got a full competitive squad cuz we can really train exactly how we want to train. And so, it's good to have the the full complement of players out there, and I'll see a couple of young pros out there as well, Harry Iverson and Oscar Lund, who have made great strides, Zach um who's come back um stronger and more confident this year because of his period on loan last year, so you know, yeah, it's it's a good competitive squad at the moment. >> And I appreciate this time last week there was a lot of topics to discuss at the season starting. One thing I failed to ask you about was the extension of Aiden Baldwin's contract and why clearly you as a club feel that that's the direction you want to go in, and I suppose the question being what what he brings to you as a group and and what you see within him for the future. >> Um well, we think he can continue to progress. He's made progression in the last 2 years. I think there's still room for improvement. I'm I'm really honest with Aiden. I I think I'm maybe his biggest fan as as a player, but I'm also honest with him where he needs to get better and and where he could potentially reach, you know, in his personal career and hopefully with us, but certainly as an individual to have certain ambitions about fulfilling the quality he has, where he has to do things a bit better, and uh and so forth, but I'm you know, I'm pretty much like that with most of the players, but um but Aiden especially, I think he's uh I I think the improvement he's made in the last 2 years as a defender has been good. I think his belief in us and how we play and and how it suits him is really good, and I think um you know, we want to be on some sort of progressive journey. You know, that's what we've we've done over the last two 2 years especially. We want to continue that progression and that and that journey. And uh it's identifying the players that can continue that with us, and um we feel Aiden can do that. We feel the improvement we have to make is mirrored by the improvement he has to make. Also, he helps us win games right here and now. So, it's not about developing him for the future to be gone in two years. He's already good now. But I just want him to get better. That's it. And he he knows that we're going to push him. He knows we're on his side. We know he knows we value him. And but I think he's surrounded by really good players as well. And um So, yeah, we felt it was the right thing to do at this particular time. And you know, but there's other players that we see in in that in that mold. But we we just feel you know, the >> [clears throat and cough] >> Excuse me. Obviously, he had signed his contract when we you know, in League Two progressing with progressing to League One and then the the breakthrough season last year. And you know, we just felt as a club that we needed to improve his terms and and and uh give him that sort of confidence that we have in him. And that he can keep playing here. And to be fair, when I spoke to him, he didn't want to go anywhere else. You know, he he was There there was interest with other club from other clubs with him. But you know, he spoke to me personally. He said, "Look, I don't want to leave. I want I want to be here." So, that's a great sign because um Look, what what's there not to enjoy? You know, he's he's playing for a very really good team, really competitive team in front of 20,000 fans every second week. And we play in a way that highlights his his undoubted abilities on the in and out of the >> And just on that point, actually, in in terms of the way that you play both in and out of possession, how how much do his qualities align with with that? And I guess when you when you brought him in initially, has that played out in your mind the way you initially saw it when you brought him in? >> Yeah, a little bit. You know what? Cuz I you know, I spoke to him about obviously he played for Notts County. They played in a different way to us. And so, but we still saw his attributes as a defender and they were but there was of the the possession stuff was a little bit different and it's probably why you know me personally I didn't trust him as the middle one and I told him that you know when he told him before he signed you play on the right of the back three cuz I can see and I explained how it worked. Um I thought he had to be more consistent in his in his general sort of play in in game to be that middle one but as the season progressed and as he got to understand them what we wanted and as he he became more trustful of us of being able to produce that he's you know slowly deferred to the the central position but I still think he can play anywhere along the back three and we have other players who can play that position as well but you know it's the the biggest thing for us I spoke about last week um we've we've been you know this formation this structure for for quite a while but every player that replace another player plays it a slightly differently and we don't try to shoehorn this player's attributes to to be like the other guy we actually go right well how can we adapt certain things to get the best out of his skill set so it's happening in central midfield right now with you know the two players that are playing there compared to the last two players and compared to all the two players before that we always try to identify a player's qualities and then fit him into the structure rather than the other way around and and that's what I think we've done with Aiden and several other players but he gives us a a unique sort of passing range I believe there's still other good players I think McAuley has still got that has got that from the left as well um but he's got that passing range which can really hurt teams that's the thing and he can play the short game as well he's comfortable in possession but he's fast he's mobile he's aggressive as a defender so the potential for him is is really high. >> Yeah. >> Um it's getting him to believe in it as well. >> Yeah. >> Cuz he can be quite hard on himself at times. >> Yeah. In terms of the league starting, of course, um this weekend back at Valley Parade in terms of a full packed out Valley Parade. I know kind of had a a dress rehearsal as some people have said it on on Saturday in terms of crowd anyway. >> Yeah. >> Um and thinking back to the Bolton second leg and the atmosphere and the acknowledgement that you all received after the full-time whistle. Um it must be nice to to have that back and and to to go again in that respect. >> Yeah, yeah. Look, it's a it I think it was just a I thought that that moment was a confirmation of, you know, beyond results what we've created. You know, that that's the thing. I think look, it's easy to get behind a winning team and and success, but then the moments are when you you you're not successful, which we weren't in the end result, that that that that emotion, that feeling, that connection is still there, you know, and it's still really relevant. I think that was a it quite a unique moment I I felt between the our support and its and its team. And but I think I think you're I sort of uh Saturday's game coming coming up will be I believe will be more like the the Wycombe game last year where the excitement of going into the new season and stuff. That was a brilliant moment at the end of a a difficult night for us to accept, you know, at the end of the season. Um but the it did mean more to the the supporters what we've done in that first year back at this level. And um and uh I was really appreciative of that and that's why I wanted to talk about it, but I think the excitement going into the season, it's it's going to be a tough season again. I think all the same things um uh count right now as it did 12 months ago. I we have to earn everything we've got, you know, no one's going to give us anything free. Um our expectation inside is the same as last season to be competitive every game. Can we win the next game? That's got to be our challenge. Um, so it hasn't got any easier, hasn't got any harder. It's just always tough. That's it. But we've become used to things being tough in the cyber coming in. And uh I think that's I I think we'll see that. I think it was a it I know you're saying about dressing rooms. Well, not for us it wasn't, but I know with the crowd, I get it. Um, but I think that they give the players a another taste of what it is. We had that week before with the the Preston game as well. But certainly winning in a competitive game on Saturday was important for us. Um, and I think some of the players who haven't played here yet like in front of a full house for us. Um I think they'll get a nice surprise on Saturday. You know, it's talked about a lot. I think it was part of the reason they wanted to come and join us. Well, they're going to get a a great example of it on on Saturday. >> Yeah, absolutely. And just finally for me it's obviously very hot at the moment. It's obviously very dry at the moment as well. Um the pitch how how is it? Um, I know none of us are experts in that that field, but >> Including me. >> is there open dialogue about it? Are you looking to try and resolve it? Do you have to alter the way you play? Or is is it a talking point at all? >> No, it's not. No, listen, I honestly, it sounds weird. If someone starts talking to me technically about a football pitch, even though I've been on one for 40 years, I'm like Yeah, honestly, I don't I don't they start talking about how grass grows and all that sort of thing. I've just played on them. So, that's it. So, I don't I don't see it. Look, whatever it is, I'm I know that the people that it's their responsibility are doing everything to make the best of it. That's it. So, I can't add anything onto that. If they're doing the best, they're doing the best. That's that's all there is. There's different circumstances year in, year out. Challenges for different clubs with pitches and training grounds and all that sort of thing. We've got a a mentality to just get on with whatever's in front of us and make the best of it. That's it. So, listen, if if I compare it to some of the pitches we played on 20 years ago, it's like a bowling green, but I know the levels of of quality of pitch have gone up and standard and it's we have to assess it over the course of the season, but it hasn't stopped us from being successful in previous two seasons and everything. I don't see affecting us going forward from my perspective. All right. >> When you look back to 12 months ago, just before that that first game, have you noticed any change in the players that are still here and that there's more of a belief now we are a League One team? >> Um I I don't know. I don't know. I just um I think we went into last season with a strong belief in ourselves anyway. So, we we don't you know, we got this sort of mentality and this attitude really that we we set our standards for ourselves and then we try to reach them. That's it, regardless who we're playing. So, um I like that attitude, you know, it's something I've I've tried to instill because it helped me certainly go through the leagues as a player and stuff like that and playing different levels of opposition whether you know, um in in my my club uh uh career or playing for my country, you know, it's always different levels, but um I always just wanted to be the best player and that I could be and my team performing the best way and that's how we have we've said it here and uh so maybe if you speak to an individual, he might think now I'm more confident this year. I don't know how nervous they might have been next last season. I didn't really talk about it. All I talked about was attacking everything and and going for it. I think that over- comes any uh doubt in your mind. I I think that sort of that proactive mindset that we're going for something as fast as and aggressive as we can. I think it doesn't give you time to have any second thoughts and stuff like that. So, I think you'd have to talk to individuals about that, but I I never sensed any of it last year that there was a lack of belief. Um and I don't sense any of it this year either. I I think um we've got a really good environment here. The players drive it as well from season to season. There's obviously an influx of players going out and coming in through the door, but we've always got that inner core, and with maybe four or five individuals that say this is this way it's like here. Obviously, it's been a really consistent staff here as well, not not just myself and Chris coming in, but you know, Doyle, Troy, all the the other sort of staff that support the first team. And I think we enjoy the sort of the the atmosphere we create. The the attitude, the ambition that we create here. So, I think we've created something that we want to protect. So, and different people will come into the building, but they have to buy into what we are, not not change it. Improve it if you can, great. But so I don't like I said to Jamie now, I think I think we have to I think where we are now is exactly where we were 12 months ago, but we've got 12 months of experience of League One, but um Let's just go and attack it. That's it. It's without getting too complicated. So, but I'm sure there's players like, you know, who haven't played regularly at this level, like maybe Aiden, Tyreke. They'll be over Josh Neville. I'm sure they'll be feeling really confident in themselves cuz they've been a bit of the unknown this time last year. I think they know what's in front of them and they know they can compete. >> The big thing outside the club, I suppose, for all the clubs is you won't be a surprise package anymore. >> No. >> They know exactly what Bradford City are about, what they can do. >> Yeah. Yeah, that's different from the opposition's point of view. I I agree with that one. I think that's certainly the case. I think that maybe changed halfway through last season, and then we we we, you know, visibly saw teams changing tactically against us and you know, how they managed games and so forth. So, but the start of the season is still the start of season. I think everyone has that ambition to play their way and to to be the dominant team in any any given game. Then the league league dictates, I think, a little bit who sort of starts to change and who keeps with their style of play cuz it's successful, so I believe the first 5-10 games will still be reasonably open games. Um and we have to attack it the same way and when those issues come along, if they do come along, and it's something we have spoke about in in preseason. Um but uh we've probably got a little bank of knowledge of how to overcome these games and uh or actually approach them in a better way. So, um even last week against uh Rochdale, so when we had the first hydration break, um I referenced the game we played last season to a couple of players who were here last season. And this is a carbon copy and we have to not let it happen again. And, you know, we we sort of went and fixed our issues, so it's good to have that bank of knowledge and reference points to go, "Remember that? Remember what it led to? We're not letting that happen again." So, um I think we're probably better position that way for to to come up against what we're going to come up against. >> Cheers. >> All right, mate. >> See you. >> Graham, going back to Sam, I think you you called him an absolute diamond at the weekend and you sort of said I think he was your first signing, wasn't he? >> I think yeah, I I meant to ask Sam before, actually. It was Sam and Calvin Calvin wasn't it that first window? So, I'm not sure who came first, to be honest, but you can confirm that for me. >> But he's but you know, you talk about characters and personalities within the dressing room of the group. Yeah. You know, he's sort of basically he's he's met that that standard you'd have wanted, isn't he? Basically from every every professional in there. >> Yeah, and and the thing is I I didn't obviously I didn't know him before we signed him. Obviously Doyle had experience of him like valuing his character and everything like that, but I think Sam came into the environment and saw it evolve, you know, it from when he first joined cuz we'd only been here like 6 weeks or so. Um but it it's seen us, you know, fight some battles in that first 6-month period to to get the the right mentality and the right environment and the right way of behaving and so so forth and I think it's seen that the development of it and really enjoyed it and really enjoyed that part of it as well and how much a part he could play and other individuals I talk I talk to the players and empower them all the time about how much influence they have on their daily life and and the environment and changing how they live you know and they they can make changes they you know with that and Sam was a big driver that I think he I think he really enjoyed that side of it that we empower them to go well come and speak to us and then let's go with this we we're not the be all and end all or know all of everything we're open to ideas whatever it is as long as it leads to success and winning and and being better so I think he really bought into that and I think his role in the squad evolved as he got more experience here and and a confidence I would say and I think I don't think he'd have admitted it you know and I think he's had this I don't think he was expecting to experience that 2 and 1/2 years when he first signed for us that that that was the thing because he came from a short-term contract at Charlton you see looking to stabilize his career again and get it going again wouldn't he Yeah I think he was actually you know a little bit looking at sort of what his next step could be as in coaching or stuff like that you know and then he had this opportunity to come and and join us and be the number one and you know how how it's turned out has been absolutely amazing so I think he's you know he's just that that's how he is every conversation you have with him you know it's it's a grown-up conversation it's you're on the same page you can you can carry your message through in in the changing when you're not there and that's what you need you need these people who who wasn't by no means was he only one but he's probably obviously he's been the most consistent one since you know he was I think was he was he my first signing I think yeah so he was there you know so I think he really enjoyed that that side of it, to be honest. And uh if there was any players behind the scenes having issues or problems, they always knew they could go to Sam if they didn't find somebody else, and they'd I've helped them through or say go and speak to the manager, speak to the skip, Doyle, or whoever it is. And and just lead him in the right direction, but that's as a guy, you know, but if I go back to when we signed him, just as a player, he's been brilliant for us as a goalkeeper. Made some massive saves. Gave everyone the confidence and I think it's one of the most well, it is the most impactful position on the pitch, mate. Like my belief into your teammates. And what every time he walked out of that changing room, he was always the last one out to shake our hands, it was like gave me confidence that that team was going out and and going to perform. >> as well, wasn't it? >> Yeah, very big hand, yeah. Yeah, so it made me feel like I was 10 sometimes when he got too close, but I I like that feeling, like you know, you know when a team walks out of the changing room for the last moment, and like Sam's the last one out, and I'm just nodding my head to myself. I talk about all the time about looking to your left and right and who's around you. And Sam was the last guy that walked out of the changing room, and I was like, "No, we're in a good place. We've got a good team out there full of good guys." And that that was just he Sam was just a reference point for me of of what our squad was. And then, you know, he's yeah, like he's always welcome back at Bradford. I said that to him, you know, when whenever we come across, but knowing Sam, listen, the biggest thing for him is he's going to be a dad again, a proper dad, a full-time dad, so he's his family and a husband and everything. That's a big big part, and he's he's missed a big chunk of that. And um but the club he's signed for, I know he's just going to be devoted to the next stage of his career. But yeah, his his impact has been really good. >> And you said before about taking the punches and coming back up. I mean, you know, he's he's taken those punches with you on the journey. He was there Forest Green, he was there Harrogate, you know, he he's seen those really hard times to experience the other times, hasn't he? So, as you say, he's he's a great bank of knowledge for anyone around him because he's seen, both ends of the spectrum. >> Yeah, we we were talking about it when he came in to see me about it, like, you know, and he's talking about the journey we on and then he actually referenced those two games. Remember that? Remember that? I went, yeah, I'm trying not to, but you know, it's but you know, but that was for him, you know, for me, sorry, him being in that changing room saying, so if we had a couple of bad results last year, lads, could be a lot worse than this, by the way. >> He knows what it's like. >> Exactly. So, you know what I mean? It should have brought people around to the bigger picture and have that context of what we're capable of even at the darkest moments, but there's still light at the end of the tunnel. We can still work hard next day to to make it happen and he was the living embodiment of that and so, that that was it. Our team was embodied in in his journey here in 2 and 1/2 years as well, so that that's it. I think it's good to to have those reference points and those people that it's not just me cuz listen, I'll spend a lot of my time convincing people in a story and and this that and the other and if it's just me all the time, you know, it can get a little bit thin, but if it's real life by their teammates and their peers, then it, you know, they know it's true and they know it's achievable. So, someone's been up front of that bun banging that drum. >> And from a personal point of view, obviously as the manager, you see hundreds of players come in, hundreds of players go out, but certain players, is it sort of is there an element of sadness cuz obviously you've seen a guy who was literally on your team sheet for 2 and 1/2 years? >> Yeah. >> You know, and suddenly, you know, it looks like he's not going to be here anymore. >> Yeah, 100% 100%. I said that to him, you know, I'll text him later that night saying, I'm going to miss I'm going to miss you, mate. That was it, you know, when he first had the conversation, when it happens, you know, and cuz it did come out of the blue, you know, but when he spoke to me for 10-15 minutes and there was no other choice, we had to make this happen and stuff, so but yeah, you you enjoy I say this all the time, I'll come in to work and you know, we were talking about that cuz I've got a long journey in the mornings, half in the morning. He's on the motorway at a similar time, but he said a big driving force was coming up the steps to the training the the facility coming into the changing room, seeing familiar faces, the environment we've created. You know, it helps the drive go really quickly. So, all those things mean a lot to I think they mean a lot to me because it's you know the the value Sam had from his 2 and 1/2 years, it's it's it's real, you know, and that's what we've all created together. So, I hope there'll be more players that, you know, when we eventually move on, when I move on hopefully I'll have all those warm feelings and that and that those memories. We've already got them in the in the bank to be fair, but we obviously trying to create more and and do that. But I I think I said to Sam and and I'm not I'll still use Brad Halliday as a reference point for certain people and and and stuff like that. So, there's always former players, you know, Max Power, people like that, Richie Smallwood, you know, as leaders and that. I'll still use them as reference points for people cuz they're they're they're they're what we're about. They're they're good people, they're good leaders, they're all good characters and that. So, the more you can have those people, the better it is for for everyone, you know, they That's it. If I if I had 22 or something, my life would be peaceful. It'd be easy. I was going to say something else then, but >> You'd have a good basketball team as well. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah, but that's it. But look, now's the opportunity for somebody else. We've had good players and good characters move on and it's been an opportunity for someone else and that's the biggest thing now. So, for what we're going to miss Sam, but life goes on. We're uh we're focused on the players that are here here right now and trying to take us forward. That's the biggest thing I have to emphasize. I think it's important for me to recognize how important and how much of a contribution Sam has made. But next day business as normal. We're on to competing, winning games, and driving the squad forward. So, it's important that everyone grasps that now, but and that's it. That's it. Every football team has to be bigger than any individual and I think we've proved that more than most. >> On that front, obviously John's come in had a very solid debut on Saturday. I mean, again it's the defense has got to get to know Yeah. As you were saying, you know, you play sort of similar way but no player is identical. So again it's it's it's creating that relationship and >> Yeah, 100% and that's why we we train in a certain way that's really competitive because it brings out how players are going to be on a match day, you know, so we can grab these sort of form these relationships and these understandings, these little um quirks in every individual's performance. So um without a doubt John they'll be a part of John adapting to what we are and then us seeing what John brings to the table and then making slight tweaks here and there and and his attributes like in in any either sort of part of the game. So I said before, you know, I love preseason for that reason, you know, bringing new players in and seeing what they're really about cuz you only get 50-60% of the of recruitment and and their analysis. The real person is hidden away a little bit in training and games brings it out. So that's the but we've done it I think the several times over in the last 2 and 1/2 years and that's how modern football is, you know, it's um it's quite volatile on that side of it and even going into this summer I didn't expect it to be that many changes but I think someone told me the number last night of players in and out and it's a lot more than I I foresaw but uh we have to be ready and I think we are. >> And very quickly looking ahead to the weekend, I mean, I don't know how many seasons did you say? Did you say 38? Did you say 38 the other day or something? >> Uh potentially yeah, 38 39 maybe, yeah. >> Do you still get that buzz going into day one and will you, you know, when you walk up that that touchline and just see Valley Parade, see the teams coming out think here we go again? >> Yeah, yeah, definitely. 100%. It's It's what I live for. Honestly, it's what I live for as a as a professional manager and being in this game, I never take it for granted. Even even just being out on on the training pitch now, with training and working towards Saturday, I'll get a buzz off that. So, honestly, I I I I try to Oh, it's I know it it's a job and it's a job for us all, but I think it has to be more than that for for the individual, cuz there's tough tough days, tough times, but the rewards are so good, you know. Our relationship with Sam, look at that for a reward from just working with someone for 2 and 1/2 years, a guy I'd never met 2 and 1/2 years ago. You know what I mean? Now, you know, I'd go for a pint with You know what I mean? All that sort of thing. So, um No, the buzz of match days is amazing. It's It's my drugs, mate. It's That's That's how it is. It's It's I love it. All the work we do is to go into that that arena on on a match day and and go all out to win, you know, take the hits when they come. Even that, I wouldn't say they're enjoy, but that means you're alive. You're there fighting and scrapping and and competing. And then when it goes well and you win, like last Saturday, it's a brilliant feeling. It's a brilliant Sunday. I love Sundays when we won a game. You know, it's quiet. No one No one's giving me abuse. It's class. No one's ringing me up telling me I should have done this, that, the other. Um but it's the best feeling. I I I think that, you know, Sunday after a win is a brilliant day, you know. And but the weekends for me, perfect, you know. Everything on a Saturday. Hopefully nothing on a Sunday. Um and uh I'm fortunate enough to get another opportunity to do it on Saturday. So, um can't wait to see the team play. >> All right. >> With players you're signing for Brentford, obviously, players come come for the name, but since you've been here, they're coming for the the style, isn't it? Style of football as well. They're wanting to come. >> I look, I I think I think Yeah, no, look, but I think it has to be the whole package, you know. I think we have to write Well, this is the way we need to go play, and you're going to play in front of full houses every second week, potentially. Um they're going to demand this. Um but uh we play like this. This is how we go. We're always proactive. We're always going to be trying to attack the opposition home and away regardless of the the the level of opponent we're always going to have self-worth and believe in ourselves more than anything else. We see your attributes, this is how they're going to work in our team, so paint the picture of the football. This is a group of people you're going to be working with, staff, players. This is what we expect. I think it's loads of things obviously. How much we're going to pay them? That obviously goes in for a professional footballer, so let's not ignore that as well. But that's not my part, that's David and Ryan's. Um so it's it's the full package really, but I think the you know, the I think last summer I talked about the reference point when we're recruiting players was the the 12 months of League Two and certainly the end, you know, and the the scenes and being part of that. We've had another 12 months of obviously not the the the candle on the ice icing on the cake sort of thing, but we've had pretty much a lot of the other stuff. >> Yeah. >> Massive games, momentous games, great memories, brilliant victories, tough times, but the the the character of the squad has has always been there. So there's a lot to be able to recruit a player with, you know, on that side of it cuz we we're not top of the tree for all the other things. We're not We know that financially, facilities, whatever. We know there's um clubs at this level with with more than us. But there's a full package I think we can compete. That's what I think and um I think you can you can get constant fulfillment at our place, you know, of being a proper footballer. And um but you have to work at for it. You know, that's it. Signing for us is one part of the decision, now you have to make it work and that's what we all try to do. >> In your sort of playing days like at Preston and Burnley, you know, there were there were other places that we had a a certain amount of success, but they were also hard cuz it was a hard football game, wasn't it really, you know? And it it it it's same you've got here, it was a money, isn't it? Coming to Bradford it's all right, you've got the three sides of the stands full. >> Yeah. >> Tough game as well, isn't it? >> Yeah, yeah, no, that's honestly we but we have to be comfortable with when it's tough, though. That's why we make training in a certain way and everything. So, it just becomes the norm. Yeah, we don't want like this soft environment and then all of a sudden we're thrust into this arena where it's really hard and tough. We have to, you know, callous our bodies and our minds to to what it is and so, it's just normal. That's that's the thing and um but the rewards are so so good. The the feeling you get when you go home, which I talk about a lot, is really really good for you to to feel that and then the excitement of coming in the next day and and being with good guys, being pushed to the best of your abilities and then having the an opportunity to compete in front of a a great crowd that is fully behind you, all that sort of thing. There's a lot of cuz most players have experienced um the opposite of that. >> Yeah. >> I would say when it's been really difficult and it's not big crowds and stuff like that and you haven't been, you know, there's been bits and pieces wrong. So, I think we try to do that, but like the game is so competitive, there's bound to be tough moments, but that's when you see the real us. Yeah. And I think we've come through those moments really well. Um but it's no guarantee we come through the next moment like that unless we we understand what we're about and what what the game is about, but um yeah, we I believe we've created a tough environment for people to come to as well. And that's the the biggest thing what what one thing I set out to to do at the start was people talk about our team as well as our our crowd, you know, and I think that's what we've got right now. >> I think you're what, fourth or fifth longest serving manager in the in the in the in the division, but it's like you sort of come every day sort of a a new day, new energy in yourself every day, you know what I mean? And you wanting to you wanting more all the time and >> Yeah. >> everything's evolving. >> But I've learned I've learned that over my time as a player, you know, that that's it. It's a learned sort of experience and and mindset, you know, it's uh you have it when you you're chasing when you're a young kid and you're chasing being a footballer and stuff like that. Then you might be a bit complacent that it's that's it becomes a norm. And uh but recognize that myself and sort of fought against it and then I I was lucky enough to go to an environment that actually was really similar to this. And it actually reignited everything in me and I I just I'm scared of going back to that that period I had in playing career where I'll shrug my shoulders a lot sort of thing, you know what I mean? And became complacent. I I fight every day to not ever go back to that, you know what I mean? Because I know the rewards that we get and and obviously now it's not just about me as an individual, you know, I'm I'm I'm influencing so many other people. I can't afford to have a day, you know what I mean? I'm letting so many people down if I ever have a day that I'm feeling sorry for myself or anything like that. So I think that that but that responsibility actually helps me be the best I can be as well. So and I and I want all the players to hold that responsibility. I spoke to Saiz about it when you know, talking about being the captain now. It does it does change the responsibility. Every day you wake up and when you come into training it's not just about you now. You you have to think of the the the players you're leading, the the staff that you're influencing as well. So it's not just the the players that he's he's the captain for but it's also the staff beyond the scenes. Um but I I think it's a great position to be in. You know, I I love I love that responsibility and I want my players to feel that responsibility for each other. I think that's what makes a good team and a good club. And I think we've got it running through the club. It's not just in the playing stuff and the the coaching stuff. I think throughout the club there's a mindset there that's responsible for each other and responsible for the future of this club. >> It's actually finally little little tweaks. I mean you keep bringing your players into fitness. It's little tweaking things. That's that's all part of management. That's massive. >> What's that? Sorry. >> Just tweaking little things with players and that's that's massive, isn't it really? You know. >> Yeah, because look the the game's evolving, everything evolves. So the the opponents are coming with different ideas against us and that. So we have to be adaptable to to win and I think having players that can take on that information and and tweak their game in you know in certain aspects and and see the opportunities we've got to got to take, I think um being adaptable and uh listen it's how you survive, it's how humans survive you know what I mean by adapting to what the the environment is and football is an absolute you know example of that so I think we've done really well to do that over the last two and a half years. Standing still thinking everything's the same and we'll just carry on doing the same thing does not work, you'll fall behind so the challenges are every single week, every single day um because we're dealing with so many um different things and human beings. Um but having that intelligence to change to to tweak and adapt and still stay true to what you are, I think it is uh important for a football club to have an identity and uh I I certainly think there's a really strong identity around our football club right now.