Adkins: Iron have fresh impetus after break
NIGEL Adkins has warned his players to ignore Ipswich Town's lowly position in the league tomorrow and instead focus on the direct threat they pose.
The Scunthorpe United boss made the trip to Portman Road in midweek to watch the Tractor Boys beat Cardiff City 2-0 and extend their gap away from the relegation zone to four points.
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Nigel Adkins
If the Iron are to mirror Ipswich's climb up the table, Adkins knows they must quickly get back into some form following a two-week break from action.
"There's a new, fresh impetus about us," he said, reflecting on the team's trip to Champney's in Leicestershire.
"We've tried to turn not having a game into a positive and for me, it's been good.
"I went to watch Ipswich on Tuesday.
"What are they doing down the bottom of the league? I don't know. You'll have to ask Roy Keane that.
"They were outstanding the other night.
"They play a very high tempo, very direct way of football and are a massive threat at set-plays with the players they've got.
"They've got a good crowd down there, the stadium is lovely, the pitch is lovely.
"It's going to be one hell of a game.
"I still wouldn't rule out a push for them to get in the play-offs, strange as that may seem.
"We can go there and get something but we are well aware of the way they play.
"Concentration levels need to be high and you've got to make the right decisions at the right times.
"You will get punished for the slightest little mistakes now.
"You've go to have the desire to get to the ball before the opposition and defend the goal with your life. Then seize on every opportunity to score."
To read the full story, including Nigel Adkins on the return to fitness of Rob Jones, see Friday's Scunthorpe Telegraph.
10 Comments
by drew, ipswich
Friday, March 12 2010, 7:12PM
“im a scunny fan living in ipswich....i,ve been telling my tractor friends how good the iron are...............ipswich are playing well and i can only see a draw at best but i need a win or will have to go into hiding”
by CW, Wigan
Friday, March 12 2010, 6:13PM
“We will see if the break as done us anygood. I am confident we can get at least a point. Then its a EASY game at Newcastle. UP THE IRON”
by Jenks, Nottingham
Friday, March 12 2010, 3:39PM
“I think its a tough ask to get anything out of there, The Tractor boys haven't lost there since September ! But then....we like a challenge...if we can tear Derby apart, then we can do these carrot-munchers too ! Be positive, stick with Raynes and Mirfin, and afford Jonesy a place on the bench - no point putting him in for the sake of it ! 2-1 to us I predict as little scunny again shock the world. Up the Iron !!”
by The FA, Soho Square
Friday, March 12 2010, 11:37AM
“O'Connor is still banned.”
by Steve, London
Friday, March 12 2010, 10:58AM
“Did you attend Gurnell Street College Ironman ? Your written English suggests so.
SUFC will field their (worst) highest profile signing and we will lose 2-0 thanks to 2 mistakes by him.
Don't bother with Wooly. He can't last 90 minutes
I'm going but dreading it.”
by Vezza, eXCUSELAND
Friday, March 12 2010, 10:55AM
“I am a bit worried it looks like NA is getting his excuses out early - 'they are a team who could make a late push for the play offs' - come on Nige, I am a massive fan, but let's not get too excited here!
Jones and Mirfin at centre for me - Raynes is still finding his feet. Alternatively, Byrne and Mirfin with Wright at RB. Given the nature of the game, I'd like a midfield of McDermott, O Connor, Togwell and Thompson. Can see a battle in the middle. Not mentioning Grant as I still can;t forgive him that ludicrous back heeled attempt...”
by Looking Down, On the Buses
Friday, March 12 2010, 10:48AM
“Same team we named against them previously please. Raynes and Mirfin looked comfortable with their aerial threat.
If we are insisting on playing long ball can we make sure Wooly and Thommo are chasing involved, Hooper won't win them all.”
by ironman, scunny
Friday, March 12 2010, 9:43AM
“sorry forgot to say the real aged iron man”
by ironman, scunny
Friday, March 12 2010, 9:39AM
“i think p doff u just waiting for jones to slip up what support not”
by P.Doff, Goodpitchesville
Friday, March 12 2010, 9:06AM
“So reading this we have no excuses not to come away from there with 3 points. A rejuvenated squad, a 'lovely' pitch and a high tempo passing game and to top it all our record signing is back in contention.
Telephone numbers tomorrow chaps.”