Forward Charles Vernam says the Mariners must embrace the occasion and use the energy of a sold-out Blundell Park to their advantage as preparations continue for Sunday’s Sky Bet League Two Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg against Salford City.

After returning to the starting XI in last weekend’s draw at Tranmere Rovers following a short spell out through injury, Vernam says he feels ready to make an impact again at a crucial stage of the campaign.

Here’s everything the Town forward had to say ahead of the play-offs…

On returning to action at Tranmere

Vernam admitted there were signs of rustiness after time out, but believes the minutes gained at Prenton Park will prove valuable heading into the semi-final.

“Yeah, it was really good,” he said.

“It’s obviously been a little bit of time since I’ve started a game, so a little bit rusty at times and I could definitely tell that within myself.

“But it’s minutes in the bank and I definitely feel like I’ve benefited from it.

“I’m just ready to contribute as and when called upon now.”

On an impressive personal campaign

The Town attacker has registered 20 league goal contributions this season and says improving his output was a major target heading into the campaign.

“It’s been brilliant,” he said.

“Obviously I couldn’t have done that without my teammates and the way we play obviously helps that as well.

“It’s been nice to prove to myself that I can do it at this level and that I can be an important player for the club.

“I think all competitions is 26 goal involvements or something like that and it’s way above what I set at the start of the season.”

On recognition for teammates and staff

With Head Coach David Artell shortlisted for Manager of the Month, alongside nominations for Kieran Green and Maldini Kacurri, Vernam praised the collective mentality within the squad.

“It’s great,” he said.

“We’ve got a group this year who all want each other to do well, which I think is a reason why we are where we are.

“We all celebrate each other’s success.

“There’s not one individual who could be where they are without the whole team and without the whole group.”

On representing the club and community in the play-offs

Vernam says occasions like Sunday’s sold-out clash are exactly what players dream of being involved in.

“It’s great,” he said.

“There’s been years I’ve been here that have been fighting the other way, so it’s a great opportunity for us as a group and a club to represent the community and represent the town.

“There’s nothing like sold-out days at Blundell Park.

“The atmosphere really helps us get over the line, so it’s really great to be involved in.”

On using experience from big games this season

The Mariners have already faced several major occasions this season, including memorable cup ties against Premier League opposition, and Vernam believes those experiences will help the squad now.

“I think it all helps,” he said.

“The Man United game, the Swindon game only a couple of weeks ago – moments like that really give us the confidence.

“We understand that we’re representing the club, the fans and everybody, so we’re extremely excited.

“Blundell Park is an extremely hard place to play.”

On approaching a two-legged semi-final

While the play-offs bring a different dynamic, Vernam insists the squad are sticking to the same mentality that has served them well throughout the campaign.

“We’ve treated this week just like it was a regular league fixture,” he said.

“We’ve been successful to be at this point this season, so I don’t see the reason to change anything.

“We’re just treating them as two separate occasions.”

On previous success against Salford

Having scored in both meetings against Salford this season, Vernam acknowledged his positive form in those fixtures but expects another difficult contest.

“I think at this level you have spells when you’re playing well,” he said.

“Both times we’ve come up against them I’ve been in a good run of form.

“I remember those games well and hopefully I can do the same again, but it’s going to be a tough game.”

On handling the occasion

Despite the pressure and expectation surrounding the fixture, Vernam says the squad are relishing the challenge rather than fearing it.

“I think we’ve got a group now who relish that pressure,” he said.

“When you win games of football regularly, that always helps.

“I don’t think there’ll be any feeling of pressure. I think everyone’s just excited.”

On the importance of the supporters

With Blundell Park set to be packed to capacity once again, Vernam reserved special praise for the Town faithful and called on them to deliver another memorable atmosphere.

“They’ve been with us all season home and away,” he said.

“When you walk out to a full Blundell Park and the fans are in full voice, there’s nothing like it.

“You saw before the Swindon game them marching down to Blundell Park – it’s just unbelievable.

“We’re incredibly grateful for their support and we’re all in it together for one last push.”

With excitement building across the town and another huge occasion awaiting on home soil, the Mariners will look to make the most of a packed Blundell Park as they begin their play-off journey on Sunday afternoon.

You can watch Charles’ full pre-match interview here:

UTM