As Wycombe Wanderers prepare for their first game of the festive period, Chairboys manager Matt Bloomfield has spoken about the highs and lows of recent weeks and what lies ahead.
On Derby performance
"It was a special moment to share with the players and we, unfortunately, haven't had enough of those last-minute dramas heading in our favour over the season [so far], it was a nice moment for the supporters to share with the players on the pitch so close after the final whistle.
"I'll say it again the lads are a special group, there's some great guys in there you know, real honest people who want to do the best they can for each other and the football club - and the supporters who have spent a lot of money following us away from home."
On the importance of XG
"It all goes into our belief in having a process that you believe in, a process of achieving a result because there are so many factors that go into a result that you as a manager can't affect. It's key metrics; that over thousands of games, studies are proving they start to influence results and so we will continue to go after those things because if they're in your favour you have a lot more chance of winning a game than if they are against you.”
On the winless run
"The respect I have for any manager who's gone and stood on the touchline rose immeasurably when I became a manager.
“A lot more scrutiny and influence is put on your shoulders.
“Throughout my life and my career, I've always sought out responsible positions; positions with responsibility and leadership are something that I believe in, the way you conduct yourself and how you can help others around you, helping people and influencing people and building something I believe in."
On Kane Vincent-Young, Jason McCarthy and Freddie Potts
"We have to be careful with Kane but you know a very, very good player. We worked extremely hard to get him in the summer, and we're looking forward to having him back for the rest of the season.
“Jason, five minutes at Bristol Rovers he's played for us this season, he's been a massive figure at this football club over quite a few years now.
“He's an influencing character as well you know one of the things with Jason is he's an incredible character, a real leader, a real driver in training sessions and matchdays, so he's getting closer.
“Freddie is going to be a top player, we're pleased with the development that he came in with and at the start of the season, we're looking forward to having him back.
“We have a responsibility to Freddie and West Ham to not rush him because we don't own him.”
On the Uche Ikpeazu rumours in the summer
"He is someone we looked in-depth into trying to get back, unfortunately, it couldn't happen at that point.
“We know the threat he offers, we know the physicality he brings and the goal threat he brings, so if he was to be on the pitch on Saturday afternoon we're going to have to deal with him very closely.
“He is someone I think highly of."
Bloomfield on football's festive schedule: "If I'm allowed to give my honest view without trying to sound like I'm playing a violin, or anything mate it's tough.
“I've missed my girls in their nativity plays, I've missed Christmas Day, I'll be leaving my family home at midday and making my way into training and then we go down to Exeter.
“With two young girls, it's the most special time of the year in their lives, and I'm absent. It is tough because we play on the 23rd, Christmas Eve I'll be spending it watching the Port Vale game back, and then watching Exeter, and then on Christmas Day I'll be there for a couple of hours to see them open their presents. Before Christmas dinner, I'll be off in the car to go training at Adams Park and then travelling down to Exeter.
“It's not nice to be away from my two little ones, who I love incredibly, but it's part of life and it's the life I signed up for.
“I love my job."
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