George Thomason says Wanderers must have their “game heads on” against Huddersfield after an eventful few days at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.

The squad trained without Ian Evatt and his staff for the first time on Thursday morning, and Thomason admitted it was strange after four-and-a-half-years working under the previous regime.

But the skipper insists everyone is fully focused on the weekend and a tough test against the Terriers.

“It was strange,” he said, thoughtfully. “Naturally, it was a topic of discussion and a few of the lads were a bit downbeat, that kind of eerie feeling because it was a bit quieter.

“You are going into the same routine but it is different because the guys who have been there for so long are no longer there.

“We had a meeting with the guys who are taking over on an interim basis to outline what the plan is going ahead and give everyone a mental reset.

“It might be a bit strange, but we need game heads on. We have a game to go and attack!”

Evatt played a big role in Thomason’s rapid rise at Wanderers, even handing him the captain’s armband earlier this season.

“It is hard to have perspective when you are in the thick of things and always moving forwards,” said. “But on the whole, he has done great things – not just for me but for the football club.

“I have absolutely loved working underneath him, he has moulded and brought me on leaps and bounds. I will never have a bad work to say about him.

“People don’t get to see him Monday to Friday. He is a really good guy and will do anything for his players.

“But as players, we are here to remain professional and try to win football matches. That is what we have to shift our focus to.”

The search is now under way for Evatt’s successor and Thomason was quizzed about whether the squad can adapt to whatever changes they might face.

“That is what we are employed to do – take on information, be reliable, be able to adapt and change our game to whichever manager comes in,” he replied.

“It is down to us players to put on a good impression and show the new guy coming in what we are all about.

“No doubt, everyone will want to put their own stamp on things, change and tweak things in little ways.

“There are plenty of really good managers out there. It is going to be a fresh start, it could be exciting and something the group needs.

“I think whoever comes in will hit the ground running, and it is down to us to bring our own levels up and show we can play whichever way they want to play.”

The Whites are still within touching distance of the play-off places as they prepare to take on the Terriers, and Thomason insists there is still plenty to play for this season.

“There are still 20 games left this season and you know what a little run of form does in this division,” he assessed.

“We are thoroughly looking forward to the last months of the season and will be pushing to try and get in the promotion race.

“It happened last year – Oxford got in there in the end and ended up pipping us, so all is not lost.”