Darren Sarll admits that the wait for a home win has gone on “far too long” as he looks to put an end to that this Saturday against Newport County.
The manager is fully aware of the pressure on his side to deliver a result but says the team must remain focused on the job at hand.
“It has been going on far too long. Obviously I was really disappointed with our last home game, not just the result but the performance which was probably the worst in 10 months for me personally.
“We know we have got more to do than ever but putting the increasing pressure and demand aside, we have got to do our job. We have got to do it very well and do it against a side that are going to be ready for a bit of a battle-up.”
When teams get stuck in a rut either home or away, managers often look to superstitions to try and change their luck up but Sarll says their preparations and routine will continue as normal.
“I know you can overthink it and there lies one of the problems. We will just keep doing the same things in terms of our preparation. We aren’t really going to change things.
“I don’t think Glenn Roeder would allow my mind to wonder into the realms of that consideration. We will stick to what we do.”
Saturday sees the return of former management duo, Graham Westley and Dino Maamria. Sarll says that although both deserve a warm reception, the priority must be on winning three points.
“Graham Westley and Dino Maamria should always be welcomed back and welcomed back in a loud and appreciative fashion for what they have done for the football club.
“Then we have got to go and win a game of football. It doesn’t matter if it is Graham Westley, Terry Venables or Chris Wilder. We have got to make sure our focus is on winning that football match and not the hoorah around a returning manager etc etc.”
Having won the previous meeting 2-0 in December, Sarll hopes for more of the same.
“We played very well that night. We showed a good organisation, ran very hard and played some decent football in difficult circumstances. We came out with a really much needed three points and we have got to do it again. We have massively got to do it again.
“We will be prepared properly. It has been a demanding period but the boys have recovered well and we will attack it again.”