Matt Taylor shared his gratefulness and appreciation for the support he and his family have received from Bristol Rovers fans ahead of the Gas' upcoming game against Bolton Wanderers.
The manager is back in the dugout after taking a leave of absence due to an ongoing family emergency, with David Horseman and Wayne Carlise overseeing Rovers' away trips to Barnsley and Leyton Orient.
The Pirates showed great spirit to battle through the second round of the Emirates FA Cup on penalties after a 0-0 draw with the Tykes but fell to a disappointing 3-0 defeat to the O's in Sky Bet League One.
Taylor discussed the last week and previewed the upcoming game against Bolton.
SUPPORT FROM THE CLUB AND FANS
"It’s been a rough time for the family," he said. "So, people’s support and help in any way, belief, prayers, anything that has gone on behind the scenes, we’ve certainly felt that.
"It’s been a rough period of time, but we certainly feel we’re coming through it as a family, and I’m in a position now to get back at it. I’ve watched from afar, and I was present for the Blackpool game.
"Despite not being on the training pitch, I watched from afar against Barnsley. I drove up late on Tuesday, having not been at the training pitch or at the training ground for a period of time and watched from the back of the stands. So, it’s been an interesting time for me but certainly for the most important people. They appreciate any support."
BACK IN THE DUGOUT
"Nothing is ever an easy decision when you still feel people need you and need your time, energy and love," said the manager. "But, in terms of my responsibility here, it is a big one, it’s a huge priority, and certainly, I felt watching on Tuesday that there was a sense of guilt that I wasn’t in the middle of it and doing more than what I could do, should’ve done or was doing.
"It was certainly time for me to get back to it in the right capacity. David Horseman, Wayne Carlise, and the rest of the staff have held the fort really well. We progressed in the cup competition, but then Tuesday certainly felt like a moment where the team needed more."
BARNSLEY AND LEYTON ORIENT REFLECTIONS
"Saturday was a difficult day for the family, so the Barnsley game was the one bright light on that day," said Taylor. "To see the end result despite seeing being away from a laptop or a TV screen, seeing the stats come through, the report of the game come through, and almost getting a sense of what it looked and felt like. Then, seeing how we progressed and seeing some of the scenes in the end and the interviews, it was so pleasing to see that we found a way to get through that cup competition.
"Going towards Tuesday, that must have taken an awful lot more than what I knew or anyone else knew out of the group, physically and mentally. Then, seeing that in a different capacity on Tuesday was so disappointing, and we knew Tuesday was not acceptable in any way.
"I’ve had a feel for what’s been going on, but there’s been other things going on which, unfortunately, have been more important. Family comes first, as always, but I’ve certainly tried to have a handle on where players have been, where their form has been, where the structure of the team has been, and where the ultimate outcome has been."
IMPROVING THE ATTACK
"What gives you a platform and control to get shots on target?" He said. "You have to get to the ball; you have to be hard to beat, you have to win the ball back and win your duels. Once you’ve got the ball, then we do know we have to improve our output in terms of our attacking play.
"Getting the ball to a certain area of the pitch with our players who have got creation and moments of individual skill in them and getting the ball from A to B. Also, knowing that B, if it’s not in the back of the net, then it’s close to the opposition goal and doing it more so than we have done in the two games."
BOLTON PREVIEW
"They are one of the strongest teams in the league," said Taylor. "They missed out in the playoff final last season; they’ve always been in and around it at this level. What happened at the end of last season probably affected them at the start of this season.
"But recently, they’ve picked up form, hit the back of the net, found consistency, built on their style, structure and personnel that they have had for a long period of time and strengthened and strengthened.
"They’ve got quality all over the pitch. They are a big club at the level, but they are coming to our place, and we fully intend to make it an uncomfortable afternoon for them.
PROMISE OMOCHERE UPDATE
"Nobody is close to an immediate return," he said. "Promise Omochere has had a jab to settle down his ankle injury. We’re looking forward to seeing if that lubricates the joint and improves it in any way. He can train and play with his hand.
"I expect him to be training next week. Whether he’ll be available for the following weekend, I don’t know, but we can hope. It’ll certainly be a big bonus when he’s back in his best physical condition."
