Patient hero Hiwula hailed by Fleetwood boss

Don’t miss the latest football news and gossip from leagues in England, Scotland and Europe with footballwire.co.ukHuddersfield loanee Hiwula has netted twice since Sheridan took charge, in the 2-0 wins over Rochdale and Bristol Rovers.

Monday’s strike against the Pirates took his tally for the season to 12, but with Town on a four-game winning spree it’s no surprise that Sheridan is not changing his starting 11, sticking with Paddy Madden and Conor McAleny up front.

But with a run of three away games in eight days starting at Rotherham on Saturday, Hiwula’s first start under Sheridan could be round the corner.

Bobby Grant, who played a part in both Monday’s goals, is also yet to start under Sheridan, who likes competition for places and praised his whole squad, which has

almost guaranteed the club’s League One status by reaching 51 points.

He said: “It was a great little pass from Bobby for Ash Hunter’s goal. He’s got that cuteness. He’s not going to run around like a lunatic but he has a very good football brain.

“Listen, I have got strikers who can do stuff. Because we have been winning my team has been easy to pick. Jordy Hiwula would probably be playing in anyone else’s team – Bobby, Wes Burns, a few other players too.

“I just want them all to feel involved and be ready if I give them an opportunity.

“I want them to be ready and take it, and that is what they are doing.

“People are coming off the bench and affecting the game.”

Sheridan named an unchanged side for the fourth game in a row on Monday, despite the short turnaround after the Good Friday victory at AFC Wimbledon.

Asked whether he was tempted to make changes on Monday, especially after the horrendous conditions at Wimbledon, Sheridan replied: “Possibly, but then people would question why you are changing a team that has kept so many clean sheets and is unbeaten?

“Managers know that when you pick a winning side, no-one questions it. If you pick a losing side, everyone says ‘out’.”

Sheridan tried to arrange a match yesterday for players who have not enjoyed much game-time under his rule.

He said: “We have been trying to get a game for Wednesday but we couldn’t.

“The lads will have a couple of days off because of the travelling and the closeness of the last few games.

“The lads who haven’t been playing will come in and do a little bit of work. The lads who have been playing will have a well deserved rest.”

Anyone who has ever kicked a ball competitively for Fleetwood is welcome to attend the Past Players Association meet-up today and on the first Thursday of every month.

Past players from any era or any of the club’s incarnations are invited to the club’s Poolfoot Farm training base to share a tea or coffee, a laugh and to reminisce.

Ex-players are encouraged to bring any memorabilia to stir up memories.

The association’s administrator Tony Collier said: “It is very much a social thing but I think it is very important.

“We have got a history of over 100 years. I think it is key to make everyone feel a part of the club as a whole.”