The Town boss is hopeful ahead of Championship opposition in the Carabao Cup.
Following a successful matchday in the league against Morecombe, Simon Weaver has had his say on Harrogate’s continuation of positivity in the cup.
“It’s still very early in the season, certainly before the Morecombe game we felt that we needed the win to get the confidence going.
“We feel we have got fresh vigour amongst the group and belief in the group now, one swallow doesn’t make a summer, but it’s lifted the group and we’re looking forward to tomorrow night now.”
With the disparity of positions in the league pyramid between the two clubs, Weaver’s men will not be favourites for this tie, however, this status of an underdog is not unfamiliar to the Town boss:
“At every level we have always had that tag, but we relish being underdogs and having a bit of a chip on our shoulder.
“We love it when they (the fans) sing about Betty’s tea shops and people expecting us to be soft and flaky, hopefully we can prove people wrong.”
When asked about the threat and play style the visitors will bring tomorrow, he said:
“I think every supporter and we as staff expect them to be fast passing, very expansive, easy on the eye and they can rip you to shreds if you don’t get a good shape about you.
“As a team we have got to be organised but at the same time we have got to use our tight pitch to our strengths and maximise our other strengths to get on the front foot.
“We expect quite a young team, a team with great ability. They were excellent against Walsall in the previous round so we have got to be on it.”
With the season being in its infancy, Weaver was questioned on whether this match is an opportunity to lay down a marker to league and potential further cup opposition:
“We’re just going to aim to win every game, and I think if we do that and set about it in a positive fashion, where we don’t give up half the pitch all the time and then it becomes a malaise or a boring game.
“We’re here to entertain at the end of the day, and we want the supporters to go away knowing that it was a full blooded, entertaining game and we played a big role in that.
“Hopefully we get a positive result, and we can build on momentum and the fans can be expectant then of a passionate performance.”
Regarding the team selection, Weaver pointed out the possibility of this game being a chance for others to play and show their worth:
“With the close proximity to the Barrow game, there’s a need for everyone, especially early in the season to feel valued and to feel like they can play an important role as well and for them to throw their hat in the ring.”
The Town boss has alluded to the need to be careful in terms of minutes for some of the main squad and the importance in the avoidance of injury setbacks:
“What we don’t want to do is drive eleven players into the ground, suffer the injuries of the last three years which has had a detrimental effect on the team’s chances of doing well in the season and the seasons proceeding this.
“We have got to get the balance right. I think it’s a squad game these days and I want everyone to be at any point ready for action.”