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Interviews

Neil Aspin previews Swindon clash

22 November 2018

Interviews

Neil Aspin previews Swindon clash

22 November 2018

Following last weekend's defeat away to Mansfield Town, Neil Aspin is eager for his side to put another run of results together in Sky Bet League Two, starting with this Saturday's game against Swindon Town.

The 1-0 loss last time out was Vale's first defeat for five games in the league, with Aspin watching his side put together a four-game unbeaten run before travelling to the One Call Stadium. 

Meanwhile, the Robins travel to Vale Park on the back of a 4-0 defeat to Carlisle United and Richie Wellens' newly inherited team will be determined to get all three points themselves, but the Vale boss is focused on ensuring his own players perform.

He said: "We're going to have some games where we pick up points and we'll have others where you have to accept that we might lose, but I don't think it's a case of chopping and changing the players.

"They need to show a better level of consistency, but I couldn't fault their effort on Saturday. Results have been a mixed bag since pre-season and that has continued all the way through.

"We're striving to get better, but the one thing that hasn't changed is the good team spirit amongst the players. They train well and they have a laugh which is good, and that shows that everyone is getting on well - that's what you want.

"There are no problems there or with regards to the dressing room, we just have to try and get a certain level of performance out of the players and get them playing at their best week in, week out. 

"If they do that they can compete well in this league, but if they don't, I'm afraid that they won't win matches. My job is about working with them psychologically as well to get the best out of them."

Despite Swindon having only amassed four points from their last six outings in Sky Bet League Two, Aspin is expecting them to provide his side with a difficult test this weekend.

Marc Richards could be set to make a return to Vale Park having represented the Valiants for a five-year spell between 2007 and 2012, and whilst Aspin is aware of the threat that he possesses, he isn't worrying too much about the opposition.

He said: "Well Richards didn't play last week, so if that's the case we'll take that. I can't concern myself too much with Swindon because it's a new manager that has come in.

"He would've had a bit more time now to look at the players because he only had a few days before he picked his last team. Does he want to play a certain way, I don't know, it could be changing.

"I can't try to second guess what he's going to do because I need to make sure our own team is right. However, like any other team in this division, they are capable.

"Their results are mixed too, but having watched the game against Carlisle in which they lost 4-0, that wasn't a fair reflection on the game. I wouldn't read too much into that scoreline."


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