Alex Revell’s reaction: QPR 5-0 Stevenage.

Boss Alex Revell spoke on today’s pre-season defeat to QPR in a behind-closed-doors friendly, emphasising that the outcome was less significant than the lessons learnt and fitness gained.

“We organised this game so that we could get some pre-season work in, get some minutes in the legs, and learn as much as could. Starting against a Championship club is difficult. This is typically the final game of the preseason.

But our aim this year is to face tough competition so we can understand where we need to improve.” Revell acknowledged the opposition’s quality, but cited individual mistakes as important moments in the game. “Ultimately, you play on a squad like that, and if you make three major mistakes, you are punished.

That is the fact. The key thing is that we make those mistakes now, not later, and use them to work things out. We’ve only been back 10 days. It’s still very early and this was all about building fitness and awareness.”

The event also presented an opportunity for fresh players and youthful talent to make their mark. “We had new players settling in, three trialists, a 16-year-old, Ryan Doherty, and Riley England rising up.

We were missing crucial players such as Dan Phillips, Louis Thompson, and Jordan Roberts, who are all important to us. It was also an opportunity to assess the squad’s depth.

Revell acknowledged that mistakes were costly, but emphasised that preseason is about improvement. “Every game teaches you something. Not just the new guys, but the entire group. You cannot continue making the same mistakes because you will face consequences at any level.

We’ll keep working.All of this is part of the process of team improvement and expansion.” “Obviously, you want to score goals and keep clean sheets, but the first game is always difficult. Last year, we had a rough start as well, but it gave us something to work with.

Today’s outcome offers us with clarity. We realise what we should keep doing and where we can improve.”

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