Thu Jan 15, 2026 3:05 pm
Ollie Tanner:
“I’ve waited a long time to return to the starting line-up. It was really nice to be back, especially with it being sooner than I thought.
“Coming back, I think I had only come on as a substitute in three games so I thought I’d have to wait a bit longer to start. The manager obviously thought I was ready and he put me in.
“In training, he made sure that I was fully ready and it took some time for me to do that and train hard. I’m very grateful because he didn’t rush me back and he put me in when I was ready.
“That’s what’s good about Brian [Barry-Murphy], he doesn’t rush you. He expects you to be ready when you come back, but he’ll play you when you’re fully ready.
“He has been unbelievable with man management and me and my injury, from the night I did it. He spoke to my parents and said that they’d give me the best treatment and make sure I’m ok.
“Every chance that he sees me, he wants to sit down and talk and ask if I’m ok. Even when I was coming back, he’d always stay out and do extra training with me. You can say that’s what managers do but they don’t have to do that.
“They’ve got a million and one things to do and he’s always there if I need a chat. Away from football as well, he’s unbelievable, he’s the best manager I’ve worked with, he’s fantastic.
“Kevin Gibbins has been massive for me in my rehab. He’s been working me hard and that’s what I’ve needed.
"He’s been amazing in his help to get me back fit and helping me to get back to what I can do on the pitch.
"Lee Riley is more on the tactical side. I’ll sit with him go through clips about what I can do better and where I need to be on the pitch. They’re both massive in what we do here, all the staff are.
"We’ve got a really good connection between the players and the staff. It’s a joy to be a part of.
“Everyone has a part to play. Gibbo leads on Sports Science but he’s also got his coaching badges. He’s really helpful and after training, he’ll be telling me where to be and will do extra crossing and finishing with me.
"Brian will get involved and tell me what I need to do. Lee will have his opinions on it as well. You take all their advice because they’re so clued up. It’s very good to work with them.
“We’re very big in-house on focusing on what we do. As long as we put in performances week-in, week-out and focusing on the game ahead, we’ll be fine.
"We’re not looking at the bigger picture and worrying about what other teams do. We’re focused on what we do, how we perform and how we are as a team.
"That’s all that matters to us. If we do that for the rest of the games this season, I’m sure that we’ll be alright."