DANNY Rose says there remains plenty of positivity in the Swindon Town changing room as they look to make a success of this season.

A recent dip in form means Richie Wellens’ side are playing catch-up in the race to quality for the League Two play-offs as they sit seven points adrift of that top-seven target with nine games to go.

Rose was one of nine new recruits made by Wellens in January, signing on a free transfer from League One side Portsmouth.

Alongside consistent selection, a unified camp is a component Rose feels is needed to help a squad achieve success, and the 31-year-old midfielder reports a Town camp still in high spirits despite the challenge ahead of them.

“Having a settled side helps. Earlier in the season at Portsmouth, they had 10 or 11 games just before Christmas where it was the same starting XI and I think they won nine or 10 of those games,” said Rose.

“It just shows that the relationships you build on the pitch can go a long way. And the team spirit – which is fantastic here – goes a long way too.

“You always go that little extra per cent for your team-mates if that team spirit is there. I have been in dressing rooms where it hasn’t been there and it is a noticeable difference.”

Town host Morecambe on Saturday in the first of four winnable fixtures on home turf between now and the end of the season.

Rose wants to replicate the positive atmosphere in the changing room into the stands at SN1 in the hope it can help galvanise the team’s fortunes.

“There is an island mentality in Portsmouth. All of the people there support Portsmouth, even the kids. No one supports the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal or Chelsea,” said Rose.

“It is quite a special place to live as a player, and there are a lot of similarities here.

“I lived in Swindon when I played for Oxford and I got a feel for the place even at that time.

“I’d always see kids and adults with Swindon shirts on and when I was leaving for my match on a Saturday, I could see how busy the streets were and the Swindon fans all around the County Ground.

“Now I am here as a Swindon player, I have got the same feeling.

“I have seen the County Ground on TV when it is rocking, I know Nathan Thompson really well and he has told me how good it is here when they are doing well.

“I know that is something he looks back on with really fond memories, so it would be great for me to be part of something like that too.”