RUSSELL SLADE has highlighted the importance of replicating last week’s win against Gillingham on pitch today in a crunch ‘six point’ tie against Swindon.
Writing in his regular match-day programme piece, Slade – who earned his first league win as Sky Blues manager last weekend – said today is an opportunity to gain ground on the teams also fighting a relegation battle.
He said: “I’m pleased we can finally talk about a little bit of positivity and buzz around the place, after our crucial league win last weekend.
“Of course this means little in isolation, but what it does do is give us a boost – a shot of much needed belief and optimism.
“All these factors play a huge part in football matches, none more so than confidence.
“I outlined four core principles that we collectively thought would be important for the remainder of our season last week, and I believe we put every single one into practise against Gillingham.
“It was a tough surface, against a team who are also battling for their lives, but we managed the game much better than we have in recent weeks and protected those precious points.
“If we can replicate that type of performance, we give ourselves a fighting chance.”
A win today could lift the Sky Blues off the foot of the League One table, though they’ll have to win against the Robins and rely on Chesterfield losing to Oxford.
Since last week’s win against Gillingham, Sky Blues fans have snapped up more than half of the club’s Wembley allocation – a larger reaction to tickets going on sale than initially thought.
Though Slade’s side will head to Wembley, the gaffer spoke about the importance of support throughout the concluding 14 League One fixtures.
He said: “We remain focused on the task and collectively, as a group, and as a unit.
“We welcome back a few key players from respective injuries today – with competition for places stronger than ever.”
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