LEE CLARK kicked off the countdown to Town’s big play-off clash with Bournemouth by putting 24 players through their paces on the training ground and proclaiming: “We’re all looking forward to the challenge.”
Clark’s side head for the South coast this Saturday (12.45) before hosting the Cherries in the second leg a week tomorrow (7.45), and the boss is more than happy with the fitness levels among his squad.
“To have 22 outfield players training in the second week of May is an achievement in itself, and is testament to the work put in by my fitness coach Andy Kiwomya and Steve Black before him,” said Clark, who can also call on striker Jamie Spencer, who has been on loan at Morecambe.
Unbeaten in 25 in League I, Town finished third to Bournemouth’s sixth, making them bookies’ favourites to win an Old Trafford final on Sunday, May 29, but Clark says those positions will be disregarded as he prepares to face Lee Bradbury’s side.
“We have every reason to be confident but we have got to realise that from here on in we are playing cup football,” said the boss, who was in a Sunderland side which finished third in the Championship in 1997-98, yet lost the play-off final to Charlton.
“The players have got to have the desire to handle the situation, which I think they have, but it can also mean getting that little bit of luck as it is not necessarily the team finishing third who are the successful one in the play-offs.
“You have to stay focused and keep working hard, and I don’t believe the mood in our camp has been affected by the outcome of the season.
“We know we have a great opportunity ahead and we want to make the most of it.”
