Prepared for the challenge

With no midweek game it's been a pretty standard week here for the players and staff ahead of Saturday's game with Darlington.

My preparation for weekend games normally starts on the Monday when I get the scouting report through. I had a quick read the other night and I'll probably look at it again towards the end of the week.

The players have undergone some really tough training sessions in recent days both on the pitch and in the gym, doing lots of running and working out.

A few of them played in a really competitive friendly against Millwall and they'll rest now until Thursday where we really start to prepare for the Darlington game.

On the Thursday we go through our game plan, scenarios, set pieces and plans we want to implement on the pitch.

Sometimes we don't need to change anything too much, but we have a lot of respect for our opponents and we know that there are no easy games.

On the Thursday I usually know the team I'm going to put out. Of course, I sit with my backroom staff and discuss it because they normally have some good ideas.

There aren't normally too many differences in our team selection, mostly because the boys have been doing alright recently.

We might look at things again on a Friday but generally we know the team and what our plans are.

Saturdays are always a bit nervy. I get kicked out of bed by the missus early doors and perhaps I'll go down and watch some television if we're at home.

For a home game, I'll get to the ground about 12.30 and try to make sure I'm fully prepared for the match.

I go through my notes and make sure I'm feeling good with my approach. I'll then go over any last minute things with the staff.

It's the waiting around from the time I name the team to kick-off which gets me all restless. I'm lucky I have an office and there's a few people who come and see me before kick off.

I might say hello to the opposing manager if I see him before the game, but I always make sure he knows that he is welcome in my office for a drink afterwards, whatever the result.

On Saturday, we're welcoming Darlington and their new manager, Steve Staunton.  They've had a very difficult time recently but all their players will want to impress in the first game.

Here at Dagenham, we all know that every game is a challenge and that's why we'll be fully prepared for the challenge.