Mike Eccles Programme Notes: "Welcome to Ebbsfleet"

Welcome back to Ebbsfleet to all of our loyal supporters. For some of you local to the Kuflink stadium we have taken off the best part of an hours commute for you today. Whilst for some of you, we appreciate your efforts to get over from wherever you have travelled. Either way, thank you as always for your unwavering support for the team, it will be great to see you all over here in Kent. 

Last week I believe we produced our best performance of the season, despite not getting the result. On another day we walk away with the win, but it wasn't to be. The players should take huge confidence from the performance irrespective of the loss as we really took it to a very strong Leeds team in their own back yard. 

This week it's our hope that we can continue to show improvement. Results are important but performance is crucial. It's important to me that we put in a performance every week now until the end of the season. It will still be extremely tough for us, but we have done a lot of learning in the first half of the season and been taught some harsh lessons.

But with the attitude and application the players are showing at training and their willingness and drive to improve, alongside a fully fit squad, I'm hopeful we can have a much better second half of the season. 

Regarding the squad. We are pretty much at full health. For this first time this season we have had 13 vs 13 in training which has provided obvious competition for places. Subsequently the stakes are raised, training standards improve and the whole squad benefits. Whilst the boys always apply themselves well and prepare properly, you can't beat genuine competition for places to squeeze the very best out of everyone. 

Whilst competition for places is now in play, I have actually named an almost identical team to last week. Just the one change with Butler in for Williams. 

Expect a very physical affair tonight against a Castleford team bang in form. In their last there they have won away at saints and lost by less than a try to Wigan and KR respectively. It will prove to be yet another great challenge. But hopefully our own recent upturn in performance coupled with our solid record here at the Kuflink stadium will see us take the spoils. 

Enjoy the game,

Mike