WE travelled north yesterday to prepare for today’s game at Fleetwood.

With no midweek fixture we have been able to recover well after a very intense run of five matches, in which we have picked up three wins and two draws.

When you put it into that context then we are on a fantastic run.

But you always strive for more and it was a little frustrating to pick up only one point against Rotherham last week.

I am always honest in my assessment, both with the players and then with the media after a game.

It is only a day or two later that you sit back and look at it and realise that you have 11 points from a possible 15 and have drawn with a side who were fourth in the league table.

I know that fans like to know what happens behind the scenes, so let me give you a little insight into what happens after the final whistle.

At full-time, I try to applaud the fans and show my appreciation for them.

Then we head for the dressing room where we assess any injuries and have a talk about the game.

Last Saturday, there were random drug tests for two players, who had to report and then be chaperoned into the dressing room while we discussed the game.

As manager I take the lead and will give my opinion, but Derek Fazackerley and Chris Allen also have their say, and we encourage players to be open with us.

This is not the time for in-depth analysis.

I may watch the game two or three times on Sunday before we analyse it fully on the Monday.

The sports science team ensure the players have their recovery drinks.

And the unused subs usually go for a run on the pitch with Scott Daly, while our media manager Chris Williams comes in and we talk about which players will do interviews.

I then like to have a couple of minutes just to compose my thoughts before I talk to the Oxford Mail and BBC Oxford.

Darryl Eales is often there for a chat about the game as well.

When the interviews are over I will usually have a drink with my opposite number – I look forward to seeing Uwe Rosler at Fleetwood today – and then it is time to leave.

I would like to say I switch off at that point, but the game goes round and round in my head for most of Saturday night!

Let’s hope it is for all the right reasons on the journey home today.

ALTHOUGH we have had a week to prepare for today’s game we haven’t quite had a full squad, because Shandon Baptiste has been away on international duty with Grenada.

What a fantastic moment for him to make his debut for his country against Panama.

The result went against them, but I am sure it will be a day he will never forget.

Shandon quietly goes about his business and improves with each week.

So hopefully this recognition will only serve to whet his appetite and make him even more hungry to push on and keep furthering his career.