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PRESS CONFERENCE LIVE: Colchester United v Swindon Town

Follow along live as Michael Flynn speaks to the press ahead of Swindon Town travelling to Colchester United in League Two. Total Sport's Joe Acklam reports live from Beversbrook.

1:54PM

That is all from today, the season is getting very close.

1:53PM

I asked UGM about whether promotion was the goal and about his summer:

  • Absolutely, anyone will tell you that getting promoted is one of the best days of your life
  • It was a really tough situation, although I do get it from the business side
1:50PM

Godwin-Malife on the culture at Swindon:

Since I have been here, everyone has that same goal of promotion. Everyone wants that short and long term success. Everyone seems supportive and are with each other.

1:49PM

Godwin-Malife on if he is experienced:

I would like to say I bring some experience. I am 23, but I have played over 100 league games and I can add some maturity to the squad.

1:49PM

Godwin-Malife on what he is passionate about:

Winning and being successful. On and off the pitch. In life I am passionate about a lot of things, like my faith as I feel it transfers into my football.

1:48PM

Godwin-Malife on the squad:

The group here, from the day I met them , they have been so welcoming and it feels like I have known them for a year. I can't wait to be a part of this and make some lasting memories here.

1:47PM

Godwin-Malife on FGR:

When we won the league it was a fantastic experience and it was my first promotion. Last year was tough, but it was a learning curve.

1:47PM

Godwin-Malife on his strengths:

I would say I was powerful and explosive, I like being on the ball and starting attacks. I like defending, tackling, heading. I have a lot to improve on, but the best way to describe me is as a powerful runner who gives 100%.

?

1:46PM

Godwin-Malife on playing Swindon:

I have played them a few times, it has always been a difficult place to come with the fans and the way they play. The style of football has always been attractive and I saw myself fitting in here.

1:45PM

Godwin-Malife on Flynn:

He is very passionate, intense, straight to the point and you know what he wants from you. You can see the teams he has managed and what they have achieved and that is why I want to play for him.

1:45PM

Godwin-Malife on Swindon:

I know the manager really well just from playing against his teams and he has always spoken highly of me. There was a chance for him to get me in January and it didn't quite come about, so when it came around again I jumped at it.

1:44PM

Godwin-Malife on his pre-season:

It would be a lie if I said it wasn't challenging. It has been different to all my others as I have been on my own at times and having to rely on others to help me.

1:38PM

I believe we will be speaking to Godwin-Malife shortly.

1:37PM

For those who asked before, the players are leaving for Colchester later this afternoon (we talked about this beforehand)

1:37PM

I asked Flynn about Tchamedue and Chilvers and also where he is with trialists

  • I don't expect Tchamedeu to last the season there, he is a really good player and so is Chilvers, we have to be prepared for them
  • I have made a decision on a few of the trialists as they have left, but one is still around (I may or may not have seen Genesini outside)
1:34PM

Michael Flynn on the squad:

I am very happy with the squad I have right now, it is probably 70-75% of what I want. I would love to bring in a few more before the end.

1:33PM

Michael Flynn on opening day record:

A good performance means three points on the opening day. Things are fresh and haven't finalised everything. My record I am not sure about. I remember getting thumped at Mansfield, but we won 4-0 last year. The year we went to the play-off final we lost and I got sacked last year and we won.

1:32PM

Michael Flynn on his first game:

The job brings its own demands and I put that on myself. I said to my wife that this has felt like a long time waiting for my debut and I feel ready. We will look forward to a positive season.

1:31PM

Michael Flynn on Colchester:

Garner likes to play football usually. They have a big team and it will be physical and I think they will be good on set plays. We will play how we want. We have got rid of the players I didn't want as much and I think we have improved the squad. I would rather go there early as the pitch is nice.

1:30PM

Michael Flynn on expectations:

I don't get involved in that as every manager will say promotion. I want to keep improving every day and give the fans a team they are proud of. If we do that it will be a good season.

1:29PM

Michael Flynn on building team spirit:

You have to come in and make sure everyone is singing off the same hymn sheet, throughout the club and in the community. We want to get more involved with schools and things. I have never seen a team be successful when players aren't together. You need that unity to keep your feet on the ground and get you through the tough times.

1:28PM

Michael Flynn on transfer market:

It has been a slog and there is a lot of money being spent and some players are hearing about interest from teams like Wrexham and want to hold out. That tells me we might have got away with one, it is human nature to want to play for a team like that and that is their decision. We respect that and it has been tough. It is not finished at all.

1:27PM

Michael Flynn on new signings:

Young was quite simple. I have a good relationship with Bradford and he is a player I have always liked. He scored a great goal against me last season. He is a very good finisher and he wants to prove himself, he could have stayed at Bradford but he showed desire to be here.

UGM is a player I have always admired and I spoke to him after Newport beat FGR in the play-offs and he remembered that. He was in an awkward position at FGR as they priced him high with the Bosman and then I found out Lavinier was sniffing for a move, so it was a no brainer. That took longer than we hoped. Laviner was not someone I was actively trying to get rid of and I wish him nothing but success.

Everything about UGM is top. He is strong, quick, aggressive and drives out from the back. Fantastic age and he wanted to be here and the players we are signing have to have that. No exceptions from Austin downwards, who has been outstanding with everything we asked. I have enjoyed this pre-season.

1:18PM

Michael Flynn is with us.

1:16PM

There is no actual wifi network in this room, so Jonny's phone hotspot will have to do for now.

1:13PM

Good afternoon everyone. Two buses and a very annoying journey later and we are ready in Beversbrook for the first press conference of the season. A lovely changing room with dodgy wifi will make this an interesting task.

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