Hurst pre Mansfield

To sum up:

Khan (calf) likely to be out until Walsall game.

Wilson (hamstring) likely to be the same as Khan.

Pyke (quad) needs managing back to full strength and game time until then.

Gnahoua just lacking match sharpness and is contention, just got to be cautious of how much we use him until up to speed.

Goalkeepers - Unsure if going to rotate for the cup games but a nice position to be in.

Waterfall - Tough decision to leave him on bench but his place is still up for grabs.  Talked about the value of the squad and the likelihood of players dropping in and out the starting eleven.

Holohan and Amos - Seems both just missed out on Sat rather than injuries/knocks.  Didn't confirm it but did along the lines of can only pick so many on a matchday.  Did say he won't be surprised if some players ask questions about game time ahead of the window closing.

Squad/Budget/end of August deadline - Won't be afraid of making decisions to shape his squad for the next four months.  Happy with what he's got but always keen to improve.  Sounds like he's got the option of asking for a bit more from the club if needs to bring in reinforcements (backed up Stockwood on Saturday I think).

Post Wimbledon - One unnamed player who they're having to assess after picking a knock up.   Attacking wise we need to make sure we get in better position.  Didn't overload teams enough.

Did I perceive a slight bit more tension in his voice? As often seems to happen, whilst the average no. of injuries in a squad might be circa 3, that doesn't mean they a positionally spread out. For us, they seem to hit our attacking options at the start of the season and that's the case again. Wilson and Khan out til Walsall at the earliest with Pyke not fully fit. One fit striker again.