Harvey Rodgers says the Mariners are determined to bounce back from successive defeats as they prepare to face Port Vale in Sky Bet League Two, with the defender confident Town have the quality to return to winning ways.
Town head to Vale Park looking to respond following recent setbacks, with Rodgers explaining that the squad have used the week to reflect on their performances and refocus ahead of Saturday’s fixture.
The defender believes the disappointment of back-to-back defeats can provide an important reminder of the standards required throughout a season, while highlighting the resilience Town showed last campaign when faced with similar challenges.
Rodgers also reflected on his own start to the season, discussing his attacking development at right-back, his ambition to contribute more goals and assists, and the challenge posed by a Port Vale side who remain unbeaten at home in the league.
Here’s everything Rodgers had to say ahead of Saturday’s trip…
On Town’s start to the season
Rodgers believes Town have made a positive start overall, despite recent disappointment, and is confident the squad can respond in the coming weeks.
“We’ve had a good start to the season. Obviously, we’ve been a bit disappointed over the last couple of games, but all in all, I think it’s been a pretty positive start.
“I think we need to look to bounce back, and that’s something we were really good at last year. Hopefully, we can do that.”
On the reaction to successive defeats
The defender admitted the mood was low when the squad returned to training on Monday following the recent results, but explained that the players have quickly refocused on the next challenge.
“I think we were all a little bit miserable Monday morning. We had a meeting here with the gaffer and talked a few things out.
“Everyone was a little bit down on Monday, but you can’t be down too long in this game. It’s on to the next game.
“Today we’ve trained and spirits are high again, and we’re ready to go again and bounce back.”
On the importance of responding
Back-to-back defeats have been an unfamiliar feeling for a group who enjoyed an impressive run of form last season, and Rodgers believes the experience can help Town maintain their standards.
“I was speaking to Greeny and saying it feels like a long time since we’ve had this kind of feeling.
“I’ve had that feeling a lot in football, so it’s nice that it’s been a long time since I’ve had it.
“As a group, we obviously don’t want that feeling to continue, so I think it’s important that we bounce back again.”
Rodgers acknowledged that setbacks are inevitable across a full season, but stressed that the response is what matters most.
“We’re never going to go through the season unbeaten. There are always going to be setbacks for any team.
“It’s early enough. We’ve lost two on the bounce, but it’s not the end of the world.
“As long as we show good resilience to bounce back, win the next game and get back on track to reach our goal, that’s what matters.”
On the desire to return to winning ways
Rodgers says the squad are eager to put the recent results behind them, with Saturday’s trip to Port Vale providing the next opportunity to respond.
“I think we’re all chomping at the bit.
“That’s the good thing about football. With Saturday, Tuesday, if you lose on the Saturday, you’re ready to go again on the Tuesday.
“You’re waiting and ready to go again. Obviously, we’ve had the game on Tuesday, but I’ve had to wait a full week myself.
“So, yeah, I’m looking forward to it.”
On his own performances this season
Rodgers has enjoyed a positive start individually, contributing goals and helping Town keep clean sheets, but believes there is still room for improvement in the attacking areas of his game.
“I think I’ve started well.
“Personally, I want to try and add a couple more assists to my game. In the last couple of games, I’ve had a couple of balls flashed across and stuff, but it just hasn’t gone for us.
“It feels like it’s going that way at the minute, but I’ve just got to keep getting into those areas and keep putting the ball across. Hopefully, someone’s going to put it in.”
On developing his attacking game
The defender explained that getting into better crossing positions has been a particular focus, with his work on the training pitch beginning to translate into matches.
“I think getting into those areas is something I’ve been working on.
“Sometimes last year, I’d maybe not get into the areas to cross. I’d be a little bit late, so I’ve been working on trying to get to the byline and pull the ball across a lot more.
“It’s been nice that I’ve managed to get a couple of balls across in the last few games, but I know the quality is something I still need to work on.”
Rodgers added that he is particularly keen to improve his delivery from close to the byline, where cutbacks can create opportunities for teammates.
“I’m always going to cross from the byline. I’m not Reece Staunton, who can get on his feet and cross it from 30 or 40 yards, which he’s got in his locker.
“It’s something I’ve been working on, the little cutbacks and stuff, because they’re the areas that I get into.”
On areas for further improvement
While Rodgers is confident in his defensive capabilities, he recognises that increasing his contribution at the top end of the pitch is the next step in his development.
“If I carry on playing right-back, that’s where I need to improve.
“Defensively, I think I’m okay. I back myself against most people in the league.
“So, it’s got to be the assists and goals. That’s where I still want to improve.”
The defender has also been encouraged by the opportunities he has had to shoot from distance, and joked that he is waiting for one of his efforts to find the net.
“Hopefully, one of them’s going to go in at some point!”
On facing Port Vale
Rodgers expects a difficult test at Vale Park, with Port Vale having endured a challenging start to the campaign despite being tipped to finish higher in the table.
However, he believes Town have the quality to come away with a positive result if they perform to their potential.
“Obviously, it’s going to be a tough game. They’ve not played in the league for a couple of weeks and we know they’re a good team who were tipped to be higher than where they are.
“They’ve obviously had a bit of a poor start, but they’ve got good players.
“We know that if we’re at our best, we’ve got more than them and we can beat them.
“I think it’s about us looking at ourselves rather than them and focusing on doing the right things.”
On the challenge at Vale Park
With both sides looking to play on the front foot, Rodgers is anticipating an entertaining encounter, although he knows from experience that Vale Park can be a difficult venue.
“I’m expecting a good game. I think they’re two teams that like to play football and be front-footed, so I think it’s going to be a good game for the neutral.
“It’s always a tough place to go to. I remember drawing there the season before last and conceding late on. The pressure was piling on towards the end of the game and Dobra scored later on.
“It’s a tough place to go. The fans are on you and the pitch is big, so it’s a tough place.”
On the travelling Mariners
More than 1,000 Town supporters are expected to make the journey to Vale Park, and Rodgers was quick to praise the backing the Mariners receive on the road.
“They’re always good when we go away from home. I’d say they’re the best away fans in the league by far.
“They always travel well with us, whether it’s London or up north, so we appreciate the support.”
You can watch Harvey’s full pre-match interview here:
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