Cheltenham Town manager Michael Duff insists that morale remains high despite their EFL Cup exit against championship side Millwall.
After a disappointing week, Duff responded to claims that this was an effect of last season’s play-off defeat.
He said: “You often get this myth of this hangover after the play-offs, it’s statistically not true.”
Duff further dismissed suggestions that the Robins had started disappointingly this campaign having lost what appeared to be a comfortable lead against Morecambe.
He continued: “We were excellent on Tuesday (Millwall) and disappointing on Saturday. We’ve only had a poor half an hour in four games this season.”
The ex-Northern Ireland international was also reluctant to suggest the increased fixture congestion of this shortened season could cause his players problems.
He said: “They’re professional footballers, they should be able to do it.”
Duff also explained his reasoning for the permanent incomings this season including Liam Sercombe (30), Andy Williams (33) and Matty Blair (31).
Duff explained: “The permanents have experience of promotion, in this league and the ones above.”
Cheltenham have also utilised the loan market to strengthen their squad for one of the most intense seasons in the history of English football, signings such as cup goalscorer Finn Azaz (20) and Tom Sang (21) offer more youth to the side.
The ex-Burnley player said: “The young loan lads we obviously can’t afford their wages, but we can give them experience they may not get at their own clubs.”
Duff made it clear he just wanted to add to the already strong core that took the Robins to the play-off semi-final last year, avoiding drastic changes.
However, that play off defeat still resonates with Duff with a feeling of ‘what if?’ hanging over Cheltenham despite attentions turning to this campaign.
Duff suggested: “If it was a full 46 game season, we would’ve got the job done.” When asked what would’ve made the difference, Duff joked: “One place would’ve been nice.”
Duff has a great desire to overcome the challenge of promotion and this clearly is his main goal in his management career.
This pressure is not something Duff is complacent to: “I might get the sack in four games and that’s something I have to live with.”
Duff’s commitment to Cheltenham is something that is clear, having only had two clubs throughout his 25-year career, Burnley and the Robins.
He explained that his wife was from Cheltenham, that they were married in the town as well as it being the place that his children grew up. He described the relationship with Cheltenham as an, “affiliation.’
Duff did indicate the desire for one other possible job, saying he would happily end his career with just the two clubs, admitting: “I wouldn’t mind Burnley being my next job.”
Duff’s focus, however, will be entirely on Cheltenham’s next game as they away to Tranmere on Saturday, September 19.
Dan Carter Sport 