What were your thoughts before the game?
The only thing we thought about before the game was making sure that everyone in our squad got the right amount of playing time. After 2 and a half weeks of really intensive work at training we needed to make sure that we gave each player enough time to have a good workout.

How were the players before the game?
They were obviously buoyed by getting the chance to play against such a high calibre side in Southend United. Some boys have never been in to that environment and played in front of a big crowd so it was great for them to have that experience. I’m sure a couple had some nerves , but they didn’t show it at all.

Did you have a game plan as such?
Friendlies are not about results, they are about performance. We weren’t going to go out there, play defensively (4-5-1) and try and nick a draw. I don’t see the point in it. We have a few formations that we want to trial in pre-season and we were going to stick to that, no matter what formation Southend came out in. In fact for us I think both formations suited how we play, but we learnt valuable lessons from both halves in how to tailor it against better opposition. The main thing we tried to get across to the players is that we want to pass it. I don’t care who the opposition is, we want to have a team that are all comfortable with the ball at their feet. Hitting it long for 90 minutes is boring, repetitive and negative.

For you it was a first watching your side from the dugout in the first half. Did you see the game differently than if you were playing?
Certain parts of it yes. It gave me a chance to assess different areas of the pitch and individuals. It was useful to me to see it, but if anything it only confirmed to me that I have the right assistant in Gary as when I’m playing the information he feeds to me during and after games about what he saw is absolutely spot on.

What were your thoughts when Billy Johnson scored his free kick?I expected him to at least hit the target that’s for sure. He has worked unbelievably hard during pre-season so far and that was his reward. The challenge for him is to replicate his performance on a consistent basis, as he is more than capable.

.....and when Luca put Rovers in the lead for a second time?
I was really pleased for Luca. He had a tough time with injuries last year and bad luck in front of goal. The goal itself was a fantastic build up through 7 or 8 good concise passes which I hope will become a trademark of ours this year.

What were your thoughts about the newcomers to the squad?
All 22 players on show performed superbly. The spirit during training has been excellent, and the new players have integrated seamlessly. They all understand there is competition and it is healthy. I think the fact that we didn’t do what a lot of clubs do and invite 50-60 players to training helped. We’ve had a tight unit since the first session and it will stand us in good stead for the season.

It was a narrow defeat to a League Two side. What did you say to the players after the game?
Results count for zero during pre-season. I’ve never ever looked in to a result from any game. I look at incidents that happen during a game, the level of performance, and what we’ve learnt from the 90 minutes we’ve just played. If we can learn 1 thing from every game in pre-season then it helps us towards the ultimate goal. All the boys did themselves proud on Wednesday but they can’t relax. They have to repeat it for 6 more friendlies and then for 36 league games. The moment you relax and rest on your laurels you will be punished on the pitch.

Did you speak to Paul Sturrock or a member of the SUFC Management Team at all after the game? What were their thoughts on the game?
No I didn’t. Paul and Graham have got 22 players of their own to worry about and then newspaper and radio trying to get quotes out of them. Paul has made some nice quotes about how we play football in the newspaper and I’m proud that he is talking about my team in those terms. I’d really like to thank them for bringing a full strength side to us. We made it competitive, and I think a big success for us is that Paul has come out and said he learned a lot about his team from the game. That means it was a worthwhile exercise for both outfits which is what both managers always want in friendlies.