Cheltenham Town assistant manager Ian Baraclough has ensured the side will be going “all out for the win”, in their game at play off chasing Barnsley tomorrow afternoon.
The Robins go into the game four points from safety and without a win in five, but Baraclough is looking forward to visiting Oakwell and the challenge ahead.
“We’ve got enough quality in the squad to be positive and we need to win games it’s as simple as that” Baraclough said. “To bridge the current gap, we need to win all our games, the gaffer doesn’t think any other way, that’s his makeup and tomorrow will be no different.”
Asked if the team were going to take a few more risks to get the 50% of wins Darrell Clarke believes is necessary, Baraclough believes they need to do so in the right areas.
“We know we need to win games, yes a point is okay, but three points and what that can do to a team, we know wins are needed, so we will take risks, but they need to be in the right areas.”
An evident change since Darrell Clarke came in, has been the squad unity and spirit from within. Baraclough believes it’s been helpful since they were without a game in midweek.
“It was a nice rest up of the legs this week, the lads are all happy and in good spirits ahead of the game. That was something that really stood out to me when i came in, they enjoy coming in and working.”
If Cheltenham are to win in Yorkshire, they will have to do it without star striker Matty Taylor who is currently out with a hamstring injury picked up in the defeat to Charlton a week ago. Taylor has been a vital player since his arrival, with four goals in eight games, but he’s still imparting his experience and character whilst injured.
“He’s hoping it will be around three weeks, but that’s Matty, always positive and it rubs off on people. We’ve got a clean bill of health otherwise, everyone’s recovered from the bug going round.” Baraclough confirmed. “Matty’s come in, scored goals it’s what he does best, so he’s gutted to be out for the time being.”
Baraclough was one of many at the club to go to the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday, something he has always had time for.
“I always do it, it’s good fun. I usually go with my friends from school, about 30 years now actually. Just don’t ask me how i got on, it wasn’t a great day! You see some names and people you haven’t seen in a while, so it’s all good fun. But now it’s about focusing on Saturday and being ready for Barnsley.”
