SWINDON Town boss Ben Garner says he has “total belief” in his own ability ahead of a first crack at the play-offs as a head coach.

Town take on Port Vale over two legs later this month, with the winner playing either Northampton Town or Mansfield Town for a spot in League One next term.

In just his 88th game as a head coach, Garner will lead Swindon into a play-off game with the hopes of achieving his first promotion in the top job.

The 41-year-old, whose next birthday falls on the day of the return leg, does not believe he lacks experience though with multiple seasons under his belt as the assistant manager at West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace.

Garner said: “I don’t see myself as inexperienced in any way. I’ve been coaching for a long, long time – over 250 to 300 games as a coach or a manager – so I don’t see any lack of experience on my part.

“I’ve experienced the play-offs before and been successful with Crystal Palace, so I’ll take a lot from that.

“I got promoted under a fantastic manager in Ian Holloway that was incredible in the play-offs. He had success at Blackpool, he then had success at Crystal Palace.

“And even the things off the pitch going into the play-offs, the other things you have to think about, I’ve witnessed that and seen it first-hand.

“I’d already planned out both scenarios as to which days we would have been playing – we’re ready to go.”

Ticket information for Town’s home leg was released on Monday, and season-ticket holders can now purchase two tickets each.

Meanwhile, Port Vale have been given 2,200 tickets with their fans being seated in the Stratton Bank only - a repeat of the lay-out for Town's FA Cup clash with Manchester City in January.

As with any play-off contest at the County Ground, it is expected to be a sell-out in the home end – a factor that Garner is confident will spur his team on to continue their recent good home form.

He said: “That energy from the stands will be huge (against Port Vale).

“Over the past two weeks, our supporters have been absolutely incredible home and away. That’s been a huge part of what we’ve done in the last four games.

“I’m really looking forward to the atmosphere home and away. I think it’s going to be a phenomenal atmosphere at the County Ground for the home leg, and our away support has been incredible all season.”