Salford City boss Karl Robinson has highlighted the importance of “ending the season well” before his side’s match against mid-table Bradford City.
As the Ammies’ League Two campaign draws to a close, focus will increasingly turn towards the sides’ performance next season.
Speaking to the press before this weekend’s game, Robinson noted that the remaining three fixtures are an opportunity for the side to lay a platform to build upon next campaign.
“I am a big believer that finishing the season well supports a strong start to the next one.”
Since Robinson began, he has continued to note that the second half of Salford’s season would be a trial period for fringe players as The Ammies brace for an extensive Summer window reshuffle.
“We have a big, big Summer, we have a job on our hands to make the club successful. We’re being clear-minded in our approach, all of the conversations going on are leading to a clear, precise outcome.”
He noted that while Salford’s squad will experience considerable “change,” there is still time for the players to make a positive impression and force their way into consideration for next season.
Robinson explained: “There is so much respect (from the supporters) here. We need to earn that respect by performing to the best of our ability in the next three games, in our work ethic over the summer and in how we start next season.”
He urged supporters to “Stay with us, no football club can be successful without fans, the synergy between the players and supporters is really important.”
Commenting on the Bradford game, Robinson was quick to heap praise on the opposition manager, and former Salford coach, Graham Alexander.
“Bradford have a good team with a very good manager, with Graham they have built a team that is very organised.”
The Bantams have been able to come out from a poor spell of form, Alexander’s side are experiencing a late resurgence and are unbeaten in their last three matches.
Similarly to Salford, inconsistency has plagued Bradford’s season. Both clubs have dipped in and out of form throughout the season, often following up consecutive wins with a run of defeats. The teams drew 1-1 in this season’s reverse fixture, Ryan Watson was on target as the Ammies battled for a point at Valley Parade.
Salford’s Head Coach suggested that The Ammies’ last three fixtures will give him a greater perspective going into the next campaign, but likely will have little emotional impact.
Hard at work preparing for Saturday 💪 pic.twitter.com/ymm65qLmxM
— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) April 11, 2024
The club have experienced a completely different season to the previous campaign. Salford’s 22/23 campaign ended in penalty shootout heartbreak in the playoffs against Stockport County.
Robinson will be hopeful that with the right recruitment, Salford can be back in the playoff picture, competing at the right end of the league next season.
He affirmed that every game “sways my opinion” regarding team selection. With both Eliot Watt and Theo Vassell receiving late red cards against Wimbledon, there may be more opportunity for players on the outside of the starting team to impress.
Salford City will be looking to improve on last weekend’s 1-0 defeat against AFC Wimbledon, The Ammies face Bradford City at the Peninsula stadium this Saturday, Kick-off is at 3 pm.
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