WEMBLEY 2020: Curle says Cobblers are 'excited but focused' as play-off final draws near

Cobblers boss Keith Curle says his players are both 'excited and focused' as Monday's play-off final against Exeter City edges closer.

The Cobblers will play at Wembley for the first time since losing to Bradfird City in 2013 when three goals inside the first half-hour effectively ended the contest before it had even begun.

Curle will be hoping for a much better experience this time around as he tries to secure his first promotion of his managerial career.

"As you can probably imagine, there's a lot of excitement but there's also an underlying focus, which is what we've tried to create," he said.

"We want players to come in, relax and be familiar with their environment, but as soon as they get on the training ground, it's work mode.

"That's what we've been trying to create and trying to instil into the players. Yes, have your banter, and make it a relaxing, enjoyable and welcoming environment, but when we go on the grass, it's time to work.

"We don't want to fill the players' heads with too many cliches. Ultimately, we know there's a game of football to be played and we've all got a role to play, individually and collectively.

"We've all got responsibilities and we're all accountable for the team performance and the individual performances and that's something we've instilled in the players right from day one.

"We want to be successful but a lot of things need to be in place to achieve success and it's about the fundamentals. That's what we've been working on and reiterating to the players.

"A lot of hard work as gone into it by everybody. The players and the coaching staff are the focal point of it but the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes doesn't go unnoticed among our ranks.

"It gives us a platform and an environment to do our job and it's very much valued by everybody."

On how he feels about the big occasion, Curle added: "I want to be successful and I need to be successful and I also need to be around people that want to be successful.

"I'm quite relaxed and I'm quite chilled but I've got a purpose and I like to work and I like people around me that like working.

"I can make their job easier and I approach it as I do when I speak to the media. How I am with the media is how I am with the players - honest, upfront and available."

Cobblers are expected to receive the results from their final round of coronavirus testing later today.