Ian Evatt is relishing Wanderers’ involvement in three competitions as his side continues its quest to keep challenging on all fronts, writes Pete Oliver.
The Whites return to League One action on Saturday when they seek a fifth successive league win at home to Cheltenham Town.
The visit of the in-form Robins follows Wanderers’ mid-week EFL Trophy win over Accrington Stanley and comes four days before an FA Cup third-round replay against Luton Town.
Evatt’s men barely have time catch their breath but the boss isn’t moaning as the Whites prepare to resume their promotion push with the possibility of going back to the top of the table.
“We're extremely blessed and fortunate to be in the position we're in,” said Evatt told Wanderers TV. “We’re in three competitions but we're not going to whinge and moan about fixture congestion.“
“We're happy to be involved in games because it means we're doing okay and we know that every game from now to the end of the season is going to have huge importance.
“There are lots of games coming up but it’s great that we are involved in them. We are really thankful that we are involved and hopefully we can keep producing consistent performances.”
Evatt added: “Every game is almost the most important and that's how we have to treat it and Saturday is no different to that.
“We have to fight really hard to keep it (the winning run) going. We know how difficult League One is. You see every week there are shock results and we don't want to be on the end of any of those.
“But we know we have to earn it and Cheltenham will certainly make us earn it. They have really picked up since Darrell (Clarke) has taken over. I think they'd be tenth in the league if the season started when Darrell took over, which shows you how well they're doing. It's going to be a challenge but one we're looking forward to.”
While Cheltenham - who lost 3-0 to the Whites in August and started the season without a goal in 11 league games before Clarke's arrival in October - have won three and drawn one of their last five league game to enhance their hopes of beating the drop, Wanderers have won 15 of their last 19 games in all competitions.
The latest booked a quarter-final slot in the Trophy and when Cameron Jerome scored at Stanley he completed a remarkable record which has seen every one of Wanderers outfield players to have started so far this season find the net.
“I'm delighted with that stat,” said Evatt. “It's very much a team effort and team game here, on and off the pitch, and the players have really bought into that. The centre forwards celebrate clean sheets and likewise everyone has a goal to play when attacking and scoring goals.
“The players are all fully invested with each other. I don't feel any threat or competition between each other. All they want to do is support each other when it's their opportunity and they will know they're going to get opportunities of their own.
“It's really important whatever their role is on any given day that they play that role to the best of their ability. If it’s a support role, then great, and if it's playing in the 11 then great as well. I've never seen a team so together as they are right now. They are a pleasure to work with every day.
“The amount of games we've got left we are going to need everybody. We need everyone up to speed, so the players are ready and they are looking forward to the game on Saturday.”