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Your Total Guide To sport
OPPOSITION INSIGHT: Fleetwood Town
In the latest of Total Sport's Opposition Insight feature, we spoke to Rosie Swarbrick, the Fleetwood Town writer for the Blackpool Gazette.
1) Fleetwood just about managed survival last season but now under Uwe Rosler they're in a play-off push. How much of that is down to the German?
"A lot of it is down to Rosler.
"Under Steven Pressley Fleetwood were a defensive side who struggled to score goals (a great example of that was this fixture last term when Fleetwood had around 15 chances, only scored once through Wes Burns and then Nicky Ajose popped up with an equaliser that was Swindon's only effort on target in the whole game. That game really summed up last season).
"But former striker Rosler has transformed them with his attacking football philosophy. The shackles have been taken off the forwards and they are given some freedom and encouraged to be creative.
"The proof is in the pudding as they say with Town now the only team in the EFL to have scored in every single league game with strikers like David Ball and Ash Hunter approaching double figures.
"The transformation is not only on the pitch but off it with highly detailed methodical training sessions, a better spirit in the camp and even the food (when, where and what the players eat) has been altered."
2) The club have won their last seven at home in all competitions however on the road is a different story (one win in ten). Any reason(s) for the contrast?
"In my opinion it is down to a mix of things, not taking their chances, confidence and a sprinkling of bad luck.
"They have taken the lead on numerous occasions like at Bristol Rovers and Port Vale but have failed to get that all important second goal. At Vale Park they dominated the game and should have been out of sight but they only had one goal to show for it and paid the price with Port Vale grabbing two late goals.
"At home they play with a lot of confidence and freedom and are used to the weather conditions! In their last league away match they drew 2-2 with AFC Wimbledon but the hosts won a controversial penalty and a number of big decisions have not gone in Fleetwood's favour on the road."
3) An article by your good self indicates Ash Hunter has a better goal-to-minute ratio than Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo. Is it fair to say he is the brightest talent around Highbury currently?
"Ash Hunter is a joy to watch, a true poacher and along with now injured midfielder Kyle Dempsey is one of the brightest talents at Highbury at the moment.
"Hunter is a very talented young man who has all the attributes of a top striker. He has speed, vision and he is lethal in front of goal. There are still things he needs to add to his game like a bit more pass and move but I believe he will follow in Jamie Vardy's footsteps and be playing at a higher level in years to come."
4) Fleetwood are of course known for their well-funded rise from non-league and, after a few seasons in League One, they're pushing again. Have the Cod Army found their level or is there still scope for more progress?
"There is always scope for more progress. If Burton Albion and Yeovil can get to the Championship then I see no reason why Fleetwood can't follow in their footsteps!
"The club is always progressing and this season is their first full season in their multi-million pound training complex Poolfoot Farm which has state of the art facilities and also benefits the local community.
"The club has also invested in their academy having been awarded Category Three status by the Premier League in the summer so it is not just on the pitch but off it that is progressing."
6) Other than on-form Hunter, who else should Swindon fans be watching with a nervous eye?
"David Ball is in fine form at the moment. He is a man transformed under Rosler with a new found freedom and is already approaching double figures having struggled for goals last season."
7) And finally, what sort of game are you expecting?
"I'm expecting goals! I think if Fleetwood can get an early goal they can go on to win 3-1."
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