Bartlett on adapting to the busy schedule 🎄

First-Team Manager Scott Bartlett reveals how his team have adapted and approached the busy period ahead of tomorrow's clash against Boston United at The Jakemans Community Stadium tomorrow.

Speaking ahead of a third game in seven days, Bartlett excitement for the challenge ahead, whilst also welcoming the opportunity to freshen up the squad in the coming days. The manager added that the group is beginning to reach the level he wants.

"I think fitness-wise we have a lot of players coming into form now. We know it's going to be a really tough game like all the games, but we will go in there with a couple of decent performances under our belt.

"I have said before that the travelling and the schedule in this league is relentless but you've got to enjoy it and I think we have shown that we do."

Bartlett noted that whilst the team is looking forward to travelling and spending time together, delivering results on the pitch is crucial.

"We came in yesterday very light, and we have sharpened things up again this morning, the lads are nice and bright. We will eat and travel well, stay in a nice hotel, get looked after, and then it's up to the players to deliver for the football club.

"Lots of the players are individually playing really well, I think we were good the other night at Yeovil. I enjoyed the game, it was really competitive, end to end, and I think our fitness levels were really good. I've asked the boys again to give another real big effort today and tomorrow collectively then we will start our next schedule.

"We will have a couple of days off after the Boston game, so we need a big effort from everyone, including the supporters. They do a lot of travelling around for the Christmas period, it's expensive for everyone. We also sacrifice a lot of time away from family but we do it because we love it and we are looking forward to the trip."

The Eastleigh boss revealed that the team started preparing for the busy schedule of three games in seven days over a month ago.

"We did a build-up for this [festive period] a month ago when we didn't have a game after the Brackley game was rearranged, so we put the groundwork in then. You've got to trust your players, they are a good group and they recover well.

"There are three games in seven days so we are going to need to use our squad. We think there is a lot of competition for places now, we are in a good position in that regard, certainly better than we were. I think for us as management staff it's about being adaptable, not risking anyone, and having confidence in all of the group.

"It's all about managing the group but it's also down to them as individuals. We have a good blend of experience and youth in the group. We also have one or two players coming back from injury soon so it's just about getting the balance right for each game!"