Chairman's Comments Ahead of De La Salle in Cup Campaign

Manchester Central face Salford-based De La Salle on Saturday. The Outcasts will be looking to replicate the success of the Manchester FA County Cup, where Tomkinson's side reached the final. Ahead of the fixture, we asked club Chairman, Paul McGuire, for his thoughts.

"I'm really proud of how the lads have turned things around in the last couple of weeks, and I know Chris is too. The back-to-back wins have certainly given the dressing room that extra bit of buzz."

"It can be hard to get back to winning ways when you're suffering a fairly significant dry spell, but I think that the lads have been great at keeping themselves in a positive frame of mind to keep training hard, ride out the hard times and finally turn the tide."

"Of course, I think that the new guys coming in have played a big role in the consecutive wins. We have had a few incomings and outgoings as of late, which is needed sometimes. The fresh faces help to push all of the lads to new levels."

"Adam Gunel has been a great addition to the defence. He's got good leadership qualities and helps Dan [Dolling] to command the team's whole defensive structure. I'm sure he'll continue to add some extra quality in this area - but he also popped up with a goal last weekend!"

"Elvis [Amoakwa] has returned to the club after a couple of years elsewhere, and he's already proved himself by scoring a couple of goals. The lads have coined the nickname 'Yaya Toure' for him, which I think says enough! These two, among the others, have played a vital role in the last two wins."

"Boothstown was a solid win. We controlled the game and dominated the opposition to earn our first league win, goal and clean sheet since the 28th of January. The victory over Altrincham Hale was something of a statement. To put five goals past a solid team that's chasing promotion should really mean something to the lads."

"I think that going back to basics has helped restore good form. Things became a bit overcomplicated at times, so we have just asked the lads to put in the effort and get simple things done well. Play your position and fulfil your roles."

"Hopefully this good form should continue tomorrow. It's an important game, and a great opportunity to do well in another cup. The loss in the final of the County Cup was a setback, but this is a great way for the lads to put it behind them. Another show-piece final is the ultimate ambition - and some silverware is the icing on the cake for any season!"

"We have a great record in the cups. We won the Murray Trophy in 2018, so I hope we can replicate that success. I'm hoping for another entertaining cup run."

"There's not many games left this season, although a Murry Trophy cup run would extend the campaign. We're starting to cast our minds onto the 2023/24 season now. Which lads have what it takes to be part of the team next season, and how can we fit them into a well-balanced side are some of the questions that we're beginning to look for the answers to."

"I hope that we can finish the season strong, and come back with a side that's ready and raring to go for pre-season in June or July."