Nicky Maynard
“I think the most important thing about Sunday was that we got the three points. We know ourselves that we could have played a lot better, especially playing against ten men towards the end. They had a bit more possession than we would possibly have liked but the main thing is that we got the three points.
“I was a bit disappointed in myself not scoring on Sunday. When I had that chance is thought it was just me and the goalkeeper. Looking back now I would have done a lot of things differently. I would still have taken it round him but lifted the ball. I did not see the defender so I was just trying to hit the target. I will not dwell on it because I know I will have more chances.
“We have recharged the batteries and are ready to go again.
“Each game I think I have got better and better. I feel better within myself. Sunday was the best I have felt body wise and fitness wise on the field. I still think there is a lot more to come.
“I must have missed about two weeks of pre-season training even though I did stuff on my own. I worked with another team for a few days as well. But it is not the same as the demands of preparing for games.
“It was hard coming straight into the side as I had only played one closed doors friendly game before that. It was not a game I could play 20 or 30 minutes to see how I feel, it was European match. I then got 90 minutes at Brechin in a friendly and felt better for that.
“I played four competitive games before the season has even started which is obviously different to what I am used to. I feel better for it. The lads feel better for it.
“Today is probably the best I have felt since the start of pre-season.
“With the game on Thursday and then Sunday we did not have much recovery time but we are now in the swing of things. The boys are finding out how all the new players like myself play and making adjustments which will hopefully help us play a lot better.
“European football was new for me and it was exciting. I enjoyed every part of it and I am sure all the other lads did as well. Many of the lads have been there before and done it and told me what to expect so I was prepared.
“Playing the same team in quick succession is very different. It does not happen very often in England because there are a lot more teams. But regardless of the fact it is the same opposition, every game is different. Wednesday will be completely different to what happened on Sunday. They are at home and it is on their turf.
“We can’t worry about the artificial surface. We have to go into the game with the same mindset. And hopefully we come out with the win.
“I have enjoyed every minute since I have been here. I did not know what to expect. I can see the manager has got all the boys on his side and they all really enjoy working with him.
“Hopefully we can put on a show for him and the fans and win as many games as possible this season.
“There is a great bunch of lads here. There is a lot of quality in that changing room as well. I think a lot of the players here could easily play in England. There are a lot of players here who have played well for the past two or three seasons and that is the reason Aberdeen have become quite a successful club. I have come here hopefully to add to that.
“A good cup run to this side is massively important. You have to have that winning mentality. You have to have the mentality of going into every game want to win, whether that is in the cup or in the league. Having that approach can only be a good thing.
“The team were unlucky last season getting to two cup finals and not managing to get over the line. It would be nice to go that extra step and finish with something positive at the end of the season but there is a lot of football to be played before we can start thinking about that.”
“The team were unlucky last season getting to two cup finals and not managing to get over the line. It would be nice to go that extra step and finish with something positive at the end of the season but there is a lot of football to be played before we can start thinking about that.”
