BART GRIEMINK has hailed Roy Evans' calm management style as a major factor in the six clean sheets he has kept in Town's first 13 games.

The big Dutchman has nothing but praise for his 'gaffer' and admits Town's director of football has instilled a new-found confidence in him.

Goalkeepers are the first to be crucified by fans when they make a mistake but the Dutch stopper is no longer anxious about dropping a 'clanger'.

Griemink had shipped 21 goals at the same stage last year as Town's season started to disintegrate.

Increasingly nervous players made more and more mistakes and all too often Griemink found himself picking the ball out of the net.

Suspension cost Griemink his place and Steve Mildenhall came in to make Town's No 1 jersey his own.

But even during the darkest days of last season, quitting the County Ground was not an option for Griemink.

He said: "I wasn't going to sulk and demand a move.

"When Mildy went in the summer I was determined to get my place back but then the old manager went and you are left wondering what will happen."

Evans has retained faith in the Dutchman as first choice and Griemink is both delighted and grateful.

He said: "The new manager has brought a new calm to the training ground and that helps preparation for matches.

"I think I am benefiting from that although I can't speak for the other lads."

The 29-year-old feels Evans has instilled a new sense of unity in the team and a dogged determination not to accept defeat after suffering setbacks in games.

He said: "I felt there were times last year when we didn't work hard enough to get back into matches and heads dropped.

"But that hasn't been the case this time. We have suffered setbacks but the lads have tried not to let it get to them.

"The manager has told us that he knows mistakes will be made. We're all human. It's how you respond to the setbacks."

Griemink believes the turn-around at the County Ground is also testament to Evans' ability to instill belief without expecting miracles.

Despite having spent more than 30 years coaching and managing Liverpool, Evans has not demanded Michael Owen or Alan Hansen performances from Second Division players.

Griemink said: "He knows how he wants us to play and the boys are doing their best to respond. We're enjoying it."

Town's reserves are in Avon Insurance Combination action against their Norwich City counterparts at the County Ground this afternoon (wednesday).kick-off 2pm.