7:30am Tuesday 16th March 2010
By Anthony Marshall
SOUTHAMPTON boss Alan Pardew has warned his players to be aware of Town’s spoiling tactics tonight, insisting opposite number Danny Wilson will treat a draw like a victory.
The play-off chasing pair go head to head at the St Mary’s Stadium, with the Saints bidding to close the gap on the top six after starting the season in administration and on minus 10 points.
But Pardew reckons Swindon will head south in search of a point to try and put a halt to their climb up the division.
He said: “We’ve got to put pressure on and we can’t afford a slip up in the next four or five games, that’s for sure. So this has got to be a win for us.
“Swindon are aware of that of course and can protect themselves a little bit, and I think they will and try to maybe have a game plan.
“We need to be on our toes about what will that game plan be to try and stifle us and stop our momentum and try and nick a win or take the draw.
“They know the emphasis is on us and Danny (Wilson) is a wise enough guy to give us a problem.
“A draw for them is a win, it’s as simple as that.”
Pardew believes Town’s squad and Wilson have not received the recognition they fully deserve this season, and is confident they will be taking part in the play-offs come the end of the campaign.
“I like the fact that the manager is consistent, the way he plays, always has been,” said Pardew.
“He’s an underrated manager in my opinion – he’s doing a fantastic job.
“The players are good players and know their roles too. I think they are underrated.
“They’ve been together about 18 months and look a side that will get in the play-offs. I don’t think we’re going to catch Swindon, and we might catch somebody else instead.”
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