Coventry City: Paul Groves Interview

Gloucester City manager Paul Groves was pleased with what he saw in the friendly match against a Coventry City XI.

City came out victors on the day, securing a 4-1 win. A brace from former Coventry City player Jordan Young, followed by further strikes from range thanks to A Trialist and Dan King in the second half ensuring victory.

“Our pressing was better, our pressure and tempo that we’ve played at, and our fitness levels were good. It was a good exercise for us,” said the City boss.

Jordan Young continued his fine pre-season form, scoring a re-bound before finishing from a tight angle on his birthday.

On Jordan, Groves said he “has been consistent in respect of how he’s tried to operate off the right and he’s been a threat. Jordan has been picking people out or as he has done on many occasions now, making the keeper work.”

City have scored a number of goals from range this pre-season, much to the delight of Groves.

“We’ve got good technicians and good strikers of the ball. We’ve got into situations where the opposition have backed themselves into the box and it’s difficult for us to thread that pass through, so you’ve got to stretch them or take them on and shoot,” he added.

Nearly 700 supporters were in attendance on Saturday for only the second match with fans at New Meadow Park since its opening. This figure also means the match had the highest attendance for a City friendly in nearly 25 years, which was also against Coventry.

On what he wants to see this season, Groves concluded that “hopefully the fans can see decent football, some good energy, we’ll be fit for sure because of the work that Niall does with the players, and hopefully we can entertain the fans, give them something to get behind and get some wins.”

City end their pre-season schedule with a home friendly against Hemel Hempstead this coming Saturday. Tickets can be purchased by clicking below.

https://www.gloucestersport.com/tickets