Apocalypse No! (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Apocalypse No!

APOCALYPTIC glimpses of a possible future don't interest Iffy Onuora as he looks to end a frenetic week with something tangible to reward all those who have nailed their colours to his mast.

Defeat at the MK Dons this afternoon would leave the County Ground outfit five points adrift at the bottom of League One.

However, such a pessimistic outlook isn't part of Onuora's make-up and nor does he want his players stressing about so-called crucial six-pointers and the prospect of being marooned so early in the campaign.

Onuora just wants his troops to focus on the 90 minutes that follow the referee's whistle at three o'clock.

He said: "I'll say to them that the sooner we start getting points on the board and climbing the table the better, but to start talking six-pointers, no.

"You start talking in apocalyptic kind of terms and thinking if we don't win then we really are cut adrift.

"I don't need that and I don't need the players to be thinking in those terms.

"I just need them to concentrate on the 90 minutes and give me exactly what they gave me the other night.

"Then it's a case of getting a bit more ruthless in front of goal and also defensively."

One thing is clear, a clean slate is on offer to all members of the squad.

Onuora, expected to stick with a 4-4-2 formation today, said: "I spoke to the guys on Friday morning and said everyone's got an opportunity to impress, both in games and training to impress."

With both teams anxious not to lose today, set pieces could play a key role in deciding the outcome.

It was clear from training yesterday that free-kicks and corners will be an area where attention will be paid.

Onuora, pictured, said: "I do believe set pieces can make a big difference although it's as much working on concentration though."

The players will be expected to produce on the pitch and the new manager hopes those in the stands will make their presence felt, not that he has any doubts in that regard.

He said: "We spoke earlier in the week, given the fractiousness of what had happened over the last week or two, about healing.

"If the fans can go to Milton Keynes and really get behind the guys, it'll mean so much to myself and the players and it can start the process of bringing everyone together.

"In terms of everyone's efforts this week it would be nice to have something tangible in terms of points to show for it.

"For all the positive things off the pitch, you always know the buck stops with what happens on the pitch.

"That's the thing that drives everything else."

As for Town's hosts, Onuora doesn't feel they should be the only team on the pitch believing their fortunes are on the turn.

He said: "MK Dons'll think they've turned the corner but I think we turned the corner to some degree the other night.

"I just want to build on that.

"As long as our spirit's in tact, which I think it is, then we'll be alright.

"We'll be positive from the first whistle."