Simon Grayson: Break will help Fleetwood players who did not heed warning about Swindon

The postponement of Saturday’s trip to Burton Albion because of the Brewers’ international call-ups means that Town don’t play again until Peterborough United visit Highbury on Good Friday, April 2.

After seeing his side’s six-game unbeaten run halted by Saturday’s 2-0 home loss to Swindon Town, Grayson said of the break: “I think it’s a good thing because we had three or four players struggling with knocks from Tuesday night (when Fleetwood beat Ipswich Town 2-0) who picked themselves up.

“The schedule we’ve had, like a lot of teams, has been very demanding.

“The way we’ve played over the last few weeks, our energy levels, work rate and intensity have probably been a lot higher than others teams’ because of how I want us to work out of possession and how I want to play.

“So this break will help. We’ll have a few days off and then go back to work and get ready for another run of games we think we can hopefully go and win.

“We have Peterborough and Wimbledon over the Easter period, so you are going to need your squad.

“It gives a chance to recharge the batteries, then really have a go at the games we’ve got left now and see where it takes us.”

Swindon went into Saturday’s game bottom of League One and on a four-game losing run but Grayson knew Fleetwood were in for a tough game.

The Cod Army were in fine form and possibly looking at the play-offs, having taken 13 points from a possible 15 in March.

Grayson tried to warn his side of the danger that the Robins posed prior to Saturday’s clash.

He said: “I got the message to the players from 10.30 on Friday, when they started training, that this was a really tough game because Swindon were scrapping.

“They had gone to Lincoln and put in a really good performance and were in front against Gillingham, then conceded three very quickly.

“So we’ve seen two sides of the Swindon team over the last few weeks but we gave them the early start, which gave them belief and something to hang on to.”

The downside of Fleetwood’s break is that they must wait until the Easter weekend for an opportunity to return to League One action at put that result right.

Grayson has imposed his philosophy and tactics on Fleetwood, who had won four and drawn two of their previous six playing the way he wants them to.

Consistency in selection has been a key element of his reign so far.

He’s opted for a 3-5-2 formation and quite often remained loyal to those that have been keeping hold of their shirts.

Consistency in selection has been a key element of Grayson’s reign so far.

He has opted for a 3-5-2 formation and often remained loyal to those who have been in possession of the shirts.

Fleetwood Town are to stage another online fans’ forum on Thursday.

Chairman Andy Pilley and head coach Simon Grayson will be joined on the panel by players Alex Cairns and James Hill.

Access to the 7pm event will be free via the club’s website. A similar forum last month proved successful.

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