Stevenage FC Central gave his opposition view ahead of Plymouth Argyle verses Stevenage.
Hi and thanks for talking to Argyle Life. Former player Dino Mammria was a bit of a left field choice when he was appointed as manager last spring. How would you assess the job he’s done so far?
A good job. You say left field but as soon as Darren Sarll lost his job, all the fans wanted and knew he would be appointed. He has done a very good job so far on his first EFL appointment. Solidified us at the back which has been a massive issue previously and installed a winning mentality which is proved by the multiple comebacks this season. We are getting better as the games go by and has a great relationship with the fan.
Stevenage have done a lot better this season than most of the last few. What do you put that down to?
A number of things: we’re more battle hardened with Players like Scott Cuthbert, Ben Nugent, Michael Timlin and Alex Revell. The winning mentality I mentioned earlier and most importantly he believes in the players and they believe on him. We were talking to the players the other day: they said Dino has been telling them all season how good the squad is and they said On Saturday (3-2-win vs Oldham), They all just started to believe that.
Argyle and Stevenage had a few grapples in our years in League Two, mostly when Graham Westley was your manager. What are your thoughts on Argyle as a club and the games between the sides?
One thing I always think when we play you is there will always be goals, it always is an entertaining fixture when we play you lot. Apart from the journey down I Like Plymouth. A club who are based on hard work and to a certain extent, the fact you put your faith in Adams is quite admirable. My main memory game wise against you lot is the 1-0 win on a Tuesday night in 2015 with a last minute winner from Andrade to boost our chances of making the play-offs. How times do change!
Who are the main players to watch out for in your side?
Kurtis Guthrie is bang on form now with 3 goals in 5 games, will cause defences problems persistently, his footwork for a man of his height is unparalleled. Steve Seddon on loan from Birmingham is a constant threat down the left side as is Jamal Campbell-Ryce down the right who is quietly going about his business. But the main one for me is Scott Cuthbert who is like a man possessed at the back and won’t give your striker an inch.
What style of play have you mostly been playing this season?
High press with a large focus on width, we have played around with a few systems so far this season but we have finally found our groove in a simple 4-4-2 system. We have a tendency to throw the kitchen sink in the last ten. Sometimes it will be ugly and sometimes it will be nice to watch. It varies. Stevenage have scored the most goals from crosses this season with Ten.
How seriously do you think your team will take the FA Cup this season? Will it be a full strength team or some reserves?
We want a cup run, the chairman and the manager have both said that. A cup run for a club like Stevenage is massive. We believe this is a game we could win (no offence). Expecting a strong team to play you lot and with any luck beyond.
How do you see your side doing at the end of the league season- can you maintain the form?
That’s the million-dollar question! I believe we will always be in those playoff chasing pack. If we maintain what we’re doing right now I believe we will scrape seventh but football never seems to go to plan. We have a tough run coming up. That will give us a clearer picture as to where we are
And how can you see Argyle doing?
You have a talented squad and I’m sure you will get out of the relegation trouble. The pickup in performances recently prove that. However, I don’t think a cup run is quite your priority right now so hopefully we can take advantage. You’re a good side and it will all just click at some point
Finally, can we have a score prediction for the game?
My head has this going down to a replay which would be unfortunate for you lot. But my heart rules my head and ill edge this one 2-1 to Stevenage so me and the Boro fans can travel back happy