Liam Coyle admits the whole Accrington Stanley camp has a spring in their step as they take on Bradford City at the Wham Stadium in the Carabao Cup tonight.
Wins were hard to come by during last season’s relegation from League One but an opening day 3-0 League Two victory over Newport County has given the Reds camp a lift.
The Reds take on fellow League Two side Bradford City tonight in the first round of the competition.
"We don’t want to get carried away but there is a buzz around the place," said the 23-year-old midfielder.
"I can’t remember many, if any, games last season where we won by three goals so that was a nice feeling.
"There were obviously things in the performance to iron out and things we can work on but it’s great to get the three points and get off to a good start.
"It was a great day for the fans to remind them we can win games as we didn’t win enough last season.
"Sunday, after a win, you are in a better mood and looking forward to coming in on the Monday. You have got a spring in your step ready to go for training whereas when you have been beat, you are worrying thinking ‘we need to win this next game’ and under pressure."
Coyle has talked about how he enjoys lining up alongside captain Seamus Conneely in the centre of midfield and how he has developed as a player in his time with Stanley since 2021.
"I love playing with Seamus Conneely, I feel like I know what he is going to do. We are similar in the way we play, we pick up a lot of second balls, tend to do the basics quite well and try and organise the team.
"He has a lot more experience than me, he can direct me, it really helps my game. I play better when I am in there with him.
"There will be games when we don’t play with each other and I have to be ready to become that leader but I like to think I have quite a few games under my belt, I am still inexperienced but I like to think I am one of the more experienced heads too.
"When I first came, I was a Under-23s player and on the pitch I was loud but off it might have been quite quiet.
"Now I feel like I am loud and need to be more vocal in the dressing room. I need to use my experience, as I have had ups and downs through my time here already.
"You have got to be strong-minded - keep people at it as well as keeping yourself at it."
Coyle knows how important it is for squad members who are called upon in these cup games to make an impression.
"I made my Accrington debut against Leicester Under-21s in the EFL Trophy and if it hadn’t been for that, I might not be in the first team now so you always have to be ready to take your chance."
The full pre-match interview video with Liam Coyle is available to watch on the club's official YouTube channel, CLICK HERE to find out more!