INTERVIEW - KRETZSCHMAR: Max Backs Boys To Maintain Momentum

STONES' vice-captain Max Kretzschmar, currently pushing towards a return from injury, doesn't believe for a moment that last Saturday's FA Cup exit will dent confidence.

Speaking earlier in the week after a gym session at main club sponsor Brunel University, the attacking midfielder was in positive mood.

"I'm only about two to three weeks away now - there's less time left until I'm ready than has already passed being out injured so that's a big plus," said the 32-year-old.

"I've done my first session on the grass today; just straight line running for now, but that'll progress to turns and sprinting later in the week. This is the enjoyable bit, getting back out there with the boys.

"And I know I'll be coming back into a squad that's currently only lost one game in nine. There's no reason we can't maintain the forward momentum we've worked hard to build up."

The former Wycombe Wanderers and Woking playmaker is at that point in his career where he's got an excellent understanding of his own physiological make-up.

"I know when I can push it a bit more, and that's usually been later in seasons when I've played a lot of minutes at the start and built up that conditioning and resilience to small problems," explained Kretzschmar.

With the football training schedule now having extended to an extra session each week, Kretzschmar believes stronger bodies has led to stronger minds.

"There always used to be that narrative around us a part-time team that we would get tired towards the end of a game. I just don't see that now.

"We've been competitive with nearly every team this season, including those with the bigger budgets at the top of our league, who would think of themselves as not too far removed from the lower-to-middle reaches of League Two."

With the squad at Blundell Park last weekend, Kretzschmar believes it's a game that can quickly be put behind Sam Cox's Stones.

"It wasn't to be. Grimsby were ruthless with their chances and killed off the game before we had a chance to establish ourselves", he said.

"I wanted to be around the squad, to give some advice. It was good to travel and be part of it, even though we didn't execute like we'd planned.

"Now we're in another cup tie on Saturday and it's a great chance to get it out of our system quickly.

"It's all about being professional against Cheshunt; showing respect and being on it from the start - just like we were against Whitstable earlier in the season.

"Take a step back from the disappointment of Saturday and we're in a good place as a squad. We're looking forward to getting back to delivering good quality performances."

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