Harrop Thinks He Now Knows Secret To Play-Off Success

He says on reflection, the club’s players and coaching team weren’t in the correct frame of mind going into their play-off Eliminator at Worthing a year ago.

They lost the game 2-1 - and now return to try and set the record straight on Bank Holiday Monday.

The 35-year-old Iron boss thinks they’re now in a lot better shape and in an interview for the National League South Promotion Final Eliminator, he opened up on why they didn’t get it right on the south coast last time.

Braintree sealed their place after two dramatic extra-time wins over Bath City and bitter rivals Chelmsford City.

Five years on from National League relegation, they’re one match away from a brilliant return.

He said: “We go into this game with complete calmness. We’ve been careful and we are certain we have prepared better this time around after last year's disappointing play-off defeat at Worthing.

“I think both myself, my backroom team and the players are far more composed and calmer in relation to the game and on reflection I think last year, it was all new to us. We were quite excitable.

“I will admit that. I now know we have really learned our lesson from last year and are better prepared for it this time.

“I feel we are also more mature individually and as a team,” said the manager, who guided his team to a fifth place finish, ending the campaign three points behind their hosts.

He added: “I'm really proud of our football club and for all those involved on and off the field. I am confident we can win and reach our goal.”

Read the full interview plus so much more in Monday’s Promotion Final Programme.

You can order your copy here.