Playoff Preview: Coaches talk Manchester Titans vs London Blitz

Head Coach George Foster, 20 June 2026. Photo by @footballhubus

We sat down with George Foster, Head Coach of the Manchester Titans to discuss the upcoming playoff fixture against the London Blitz.

Congratulations on a perfect 8-0 regular season record. How are you feeling going into your second semi-final as Head Coach? Is your approach different to last year?

“I'm feeling good, it's always nice to get through to playoff football. We know it's going to be a step up but we can't wait. The approach is mostly the same, we're digging into the film and training hard.”

You're facing a different opponent, one you've not played before, what can the fans expect from this matchup?

“It's going to be electric, London vs Manchester in any sporting occasion is always a spectacle. They will be well drilled and tough, so we need to match that with clinical precision and the classic Titans energy.”

And are there any players to watch on the 22nd, any surprises in store on the roster?

“We've shown this year that we have incredible depth across the board. Offensively this allows us to take what's given to us and ride a hot hand, while defensively we can fly around and rotate to stay fresh. For any surprises, you'll have to come and find out on the day!”

Alex Challands, 3 May 2026. Photo by Rory Macnair

We’re joined now by Alex Challands, Offensive Coordinator for the Manchester Titans. Thank you for joining us today.

Congratulations on a hard-fought win over Nottingham, that was a nail-biter at times. What are the takeaways going into this next game?

“Firstly to be proud of our season’s accomplishments as 5 consecutive division titles is no easy feat, but then refocus onto corrections and elevating our level even more as we kick into the playoffs.”

You're no stranger to high stakes games, how are you feeling going into the playoffs?

“I'm feeling confident in our team, all 3 phases have shown elite levels throughout season, it's just now a combined effort to all draw out those elite levels together for the next two games.”

The Titans haven't faced the Blitz since 2017. Having not played this team in almost a decade, does this change your preparation from a offensive perspective?

“At lot has changed since the last game, you can say that both teams are on opposite sides of the pendulum with Manchester ascending and the Blitz dwindling - until this year's mini resurgence. With regards to the preparation, similar to level of performance, we elevate the effort and attention to detail to ensure we are as best prepared as possible against an always tough opponent.”

Alex Lenkowski (K, #17). Photo by Adam Edwards

The Titans offence has been electric this year, with 9 different receivers scoring touchdowns, a passing game averaging 272 yards per game and a rushing attack that averages 4.5 yards per carry. Quarterback Josh Mills (#3) leads the Premiership in passing yards (1,777). Defensively the Titans have held teams to an average of 7.9 points per game, 118 yards per game, and a very impressive 1.5 YPC on the ground. Titans Kicker Alex Lenkowski also leads the Premiership in Field Goals (10) and PATs (32).

The Titans come into the playoffs in great form, unbeaten in the regular season with two big wins in August against the Merseyside Nighthawks (83-0) and the Nottingham Caesars (27-13). The Blitz have had a successful year but come into the playoffs with a 4-4 record off the back of a surprising loss against Wembley. Having pushed the Aztecs close, the Blitz will be keen to prove that the Wembley loss was just a blip due to player rotations, having secured the 2nd seed the week before.

Tickets to the semi-final against London Blitz on Saturday 22 August are available to purchase online or on the door. Tailgating starts at 1.30pm with our fantastic vendors - KillaCarbs (Neapolitan pizza), MCR Hot Box (jerk chicken), Cocktail Cartel (they serve beer too), and Mr Whippy ice cream. See you there!