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Ian Evatt believes fear of failure will play its part in this weekend's promotion decider against Exeter City.
The Wanderers boss is confident his players are in the right frame of mind to secure a win which would guarantee League One football next season.
But with the visiting Grecians also desperate for points in their play-off chase, Evatt foresees an opponent that will not sit in and defend, as many have done at the UniBol this season.
Exeter's win against Grimsby in midweek kept their season alive and ensures they will have to play for three points on Saturday.
“I was absolutely delighted they still have something to play for because they have to fear it as well as we do," Evatt said. "That is the key message.
“Yes, we want to win and we’re fearful of not winning the game, but so are they. That would be their season done.
“I respect that but I am pleased it is the case as well. This is not a free hit for them, it is not a free hit for us, it is a game both teams want to win.
“If it was a boxing match I’d think they would come out swinging and it’s important we keep our guard up but also throw back some strong counters, that’s the way I see the game going. I think they will chuck everything at us and we have to stay calm under that pressure, be composed in transition and make the right decisions, pick the opponent off. We're good to go."
Wanderers need only to match the result of Morecambe and Tranmere's games at Walsall and Forest Green respectively, which could mean Evatt can tailor his approach as the game wears on.
“Our main focus is on winning the match because then it doesn’t matter what anyone else does," he said.
“We like to win football matches and I think we have got a squad of players which his capable of winning the majority of them. On Saturday we will do our bit and if it comes to the last few minutes and I get a shout saying it is going our way elsewhere then just maybe I will consider it. But that will be very, very late on. I am extremely hopeful the business will be done by then."
Evatt says promotion - if achieved - would only be the beginning of what he has planned for Wanderers.
“It is only one step," he said. "It is not job done and let’s pat each other on the back. We’ll enjoy Saturday night and then start thinking how we improve for next season and get promoted out of League One.
“That has to be our aim and ambition. Promotion can only be the first step on a journey for me with this football club.”
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The Wanderers boss is confident his players are in the right frame of mind to secure a win which would guarantee League One football next season.
But with the visiting Grecians also desperate for points in their play-off chase, Evatt foresees an opponent that will not sit in and defend, as many have done at the UniBol this season.
Exeter's win against Grimsby in midweek kept their season alive and ensures they will have to play for three points on Saturday.
“I was absolutely delighted they still have something to play for because they have to fear it as well as we do," Evatt said. "That is the key message.
“Yes, we want to win and we’re fearful of not winning the game, but so are they. That would be their season done.
“I respect that but I am pleased it is the case as well. This is not a free hit for them, it is not a free hit for us, it is a game both teams want to win.
“If it was a boxing match I’d think they would come out swinging and it’s important we keep our guard up but also throw back some strong counters, that’s the way I see the game going. I think they will chuck everything at us and we have to stay calm under that pressure, be composed in transition and make the right decisions, pick the opponent off. We're good to go."
Wanderers need only to match the result of Morecambe and Tranmere's games at Walsall and Forest Green respectively, which could mean Evatt can tailor his approach as the game wears on.
“Our main focus is on winning the match because then it doesn’t matter what anyone else does," he said.
“We like to win football matches and I think we have got a squad of players which his capable of winning the majority of them. On Saturday we will do our bit and if it comes to the last few minutes and I get a shout saying it is going our way elsewhere then just maybe I will consider it. But that will be very, very late on. I am extremely hopeful the business will be done by then."
Evatt says promotion - if achieved - would only be the beginning of what he has planned for Wanderers.
“It is only one step," he said. "It is not job done and let’s pat each other on the back. We’ll enjoy Saturday night and then start thinking how we improve for next season and get promoted out of League One.
“That has to be our aim and ambition. Promotion can only be the first step on a journey for me with this football club.”
Source