Oppositions View: Crewe

Vital Bristol Rovers caught up with Crewe fan Dink and asked him a few questions ahead of Satursday League One encounter.

What would you say your current/preseason form has been like?
It’s been pretty good. One loss in seven in pre-season, which was against Steven Gerrard’s Liverpool. We beat a strong Derby side 2-0, which was comfortable, along with an expected 3-1 win over Stockport.

Our opening game against Brighton was pretty tough, it was a game either team could have won but we showed more in the final minutes. Wednesday 3-0 defeat against Hull wasn’t as bad as it sounds, one goal was a penalty, one was on the counter attack and the other was gift wrapped by our goalkeeper. Aside from the goals we took the game to Hull and with a decent striker (we’ve now got) we could have scored just as many as them. We look stronger, fitter and more organised than we have done in recent years


Which players in your opinion will be the biggest threat to the Gas?
Well you’ll have to watch out for our left back. Not only is his defending tidy but I can’t think of a better left foot in League One. His corners seem to cause a problem every time and his free kicks aren’t too shabby either. Also, we’re hoping new loan signing Chris Dickson can be a threat. Should start up front and has a reputation of scoring goals for fun.

Do you have any key players that will be missing from the game?
The obvious one is Nicky Maynard, who broke his leg last week. Scored 19 last season and was favourite to be the league’s top scorer. Big blow to lose him. Eugen Bopp will also miss the game, he’s a pretty influential midfielder at this level. David Vaughan will also be missing, looks like he’s on his way to Real Sociedad. Finally Byron Moore, who made his debut last week and won MOTM, is injured.

If you could sign one Bristol Rovers player, who would it be?
Probably Richard Walker. A big strong striker who is good in the air is something we’ve been searching for all summer.

What players have come and gone for you this season?
The obvious is Luke Varney for £2.5million to Charlton. Billy Jones, a very highly rated young player, left for Preston on a fee yet to be decided (tribunal). Jon Otsemobor left for free to Norwich. Plus a load of youngsters and reserve players.

Coming in has been Steven Schumacher (Bradford) , Eugen Bopp (Rotherham), Chris McCready (Tranmere), Danny O’Donnell (Liverpool) and Billy Jones (Exeter). All have been impressive so far. Chris Dickson, a striker from Charlton, signed yesterday and should make his debut against you.

What are your strengths/weaknesses?
At the moment, probably our midfield is our main strength. Schumacher and Roberts can really ‘boss it’ and make it hard for you to build up an attack. They’ve also got goals in them.

Our biggest weakness is either our lack of a goal scorer but Chris Dickson may change that. We’re also very shaky when it comes to aerial balls in defence.

Finally what is your score prediction for the game?
I’m hoping Chris Dickson does the business – 3-1 to Crewe.


Many thanks to Dink of Vital Crewe