MANAGER: They'll have to think about how they deal with us

“It was a good encounter last time we met but there’s been a lot of change since then,” he said. “I’ll just be happy if I can stay in the technical area for 95 minutes! 

“I’ll probably have another growl at Andy Hessenthaler but it’s all good natured. I think we were both asked to go and read the programme last time and it comes down to people who want their team to win.”

“What we had at the time was two passionate clubs with two passionate sets of management teams,” he added. “That won’t change and it will come down to who uses what they have at their disposal to the best effect.

“They have good players and the top scorer in our division. I know Jay Simpson from when I had him at QPR and I know what he’s about. He’s a definite goal threat and he has an excellent work mentality. He comes alive in and around the box and he doesn’t like being squeezed away from the goalmouth. 

“We’re aware of their strengths as a team and I think they will also be looking at where our threats will come from. We have players who can score and create goals and they’ll have to think about how they deal with us as well.”

“This is the kind of week we should all be looking forward to,” he commented. “It’s two huge games and a chance for us to really send our message out. The players know it’s important but they’ve shown us they like a challenge. 

“We need the fans behind us but, let me tell you, I know we’ve got that at the moment. Look at what happened at Morecambe on Saturday. Our supporters made it feel like a home game for us. 

“We looked around and all we could see were packed terraces, and they were behind us every step of the way. We went off the pitch at half time and they knew we hadn’t played well. I knew we hadn’t played well, but there was a real feeling of togetherness and unity. It was nice to witness that because it means we’re all pulling for the same things.”