Walsall's Darrell Clarke praises 'top manager' Ian Holloway

The Mariners travel to the Banks's Stadium for their opening game of the 2020/21 League Two season – after both clubs started their campaign with two cup fixtures in the Carabao Cup and EFL Trophy.

Clarke, who knows his opposing manager well from previous jobs, is expecting a tough game against Holloway's side.

"I get on really well with Ian, who was very supportive when I was managing Bristol Rovers," he said.

"He's a top guy. He says it how it is as well, he doesn't mix his words, but he's earned that right – he's a top, top manager.

"He's managed some top, top clubs and I certainly think Grimsby are fortunate to have someone of his calibre managing them.

"I'm sure, like always with Ian Holloway's teams, they'll be ready to go. We expect nothing but a difficult encounter.

"He'll be looking forward to it. They have a good mixture of experience and good youth within the squad.

"He's brought in players and had to be a little bit patient on the players that he brings in, like most clubs with the finances.

"But I'm sure they're in for a good season."

Although fans are optimistic ahead of the clash after two good cup performances, Clarke eased the pressure on his side insisting that tomorrow will not define their season.

"For me, I've always said this, you have 46 games and through the course of those games you have to manage different scenarios," he added.

"In the perfect world we get off to a good start, but there's a hell of a lot of points to play for and it's always been a marathon, not a sprint.

"We have to focus and try and get a good start. It would be nice to start with a positive tomorrow, but whatever we do, win, lose or draw, we build on it.

"Make sure performances are improving through the course of the season because if any team is going to be successful it's not just about winning your first game.

"It's about winning as many games over the 46 games."

Meanwhile, Clarke says he has a full squad to choose from tomorrow, but that some players will be lacking in match fitness.

"The players fitness levels are good and the beauty for me is it looks like I have a fully fit squad which was always the aim goal in pre-season, which is good news," he said.

"One or two are lacking match minutes so you have to do a bit of juggling as a manager.

"You’ve got to follow the medical team and the strength and conditioning coach and I’m sure there will be a few changes along the way as these early games come but I’m really pleased with the lads fitness levels in these first couple of games."