ROBINS boss Alun Rossiter knows from experience the Elite League play-offs are still well within his side’s reach despite their difficult start to season.

The Blunsdon club currently sit ninth in the table after seven meetings, with only two wins to their name, but have the chance to move up the table this evening when they host bottom club Birmingham.

The poor start to the campaign has led some fans to brand the Robins’ season to be over already, but Rossiter passionately disagrees and used his 2010 title victory with Coventry as evidence for the post season still being a real possibility.

“I’ve been in this situation before when I was at Coventry and we came back into it, made the play-offs and then went on to win the league,” Rossiter said.

“There are a few things that need tweaking but there is no magic wand, so people need to stay a little bit positive and understand the situation.

“So far we have raced against the teams who are favourites to win things this season, and have been to Lakeside twice, while other teams have gone against the sides lower down the table.

“I have full confidence in the team and, looking at the bigger picture the play-offs are certainly still within our reach.”

Despite his confidence in his side, Rossiter knows there are issues which need to be sorted but is happy with how things are progressing.

“Simon is on a new engine this week which should really help and, with respect, Nicolai’s average went down and Simon’s has gone up,” he said.

“I’m comfortable and happy with the decision to bring Dak (North) in and he’s had spark and life about him. He will certainly get better.

“I’m positive and comfortable with the team.”

Birmingham may have endured a rotten start to the season, with only one win to their name, but Rossiter isn’t taking the Brummies lately.

“We will be treating Birmingham like we have any other side,” he said.

“Yes, they have found things hard at the start of this season but when you start taking teams lightly, that’s when they come back and bite you.”