Barker expecting a tough night (From Swindon Advertiser)

Barker expecting a tough night

6:00am Tuesday 21st August 2012 in STFC News

CRAWLEY manager Richie Barker is expecting a tough test when he brings his side to the County Ground this evening.

Barker, who assumed the reins at the Broadfield Stadium over the summer following the departure of Sean O’Driscoll to Nottingham Forest, watched his side claim a 3-0 victory over Scunthorpe on the opening day of the campaign.

And the Red Devils boss, who came within seven days of being a teammate of Town manager Paolo Di Canio during his time at Sheffield Wednesday, thinks his squad could not be better placed to take on the Robins.

“Swindon won’t be an easy place to go but if the players aren’t full of confidence now, they never will be,” he said.

“Paolo Di Canio signed for Sheffield Wednesday the week I left as a young 21-year-old.

“I like to claim they needed the 40 grand they got for me for the £2.4million or whatever it was that they paid for him. So I’ve never really met him, we missed out by a week and I’m sure he hasn’t heard of me.”

Barker is anticipating a few fireworks on the touchline over the course of tonight’s 90 minutes, but he is determined to keep himself to himself in the dug-out.

“Paolo Di Canio certainly has plenty to say for himself,” he said.

“I’m sure he will be entertaining but as long as we do the right things and I do the right things, what happens elsewhere is none of my business and I’ll try not to get involved.”