Iffy: 'Now it's neck and neck'

From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Saturday 21st Jan 2006.

IFFY Onuora has dished out a stark warning to his players while acknowledging he now has the necessary tools to banish the bottom four blues.

New signings Lee Peacock and Albert Jarrett will come into the squad to face Bournemouth today with the manager quite clear on what is required.

Competition for places brings with it a pressure to perform.

Onuora said: "I've told them that we can't afford and nor will I tolerate performances like last week.

"I've got players breathing down people's necks and if they can't raise our game significantly from last week then there'll be players who can and will."

However, with Peacock, Jarrett, Andy Gurney, Aaron Brown and Paul Smith now on board the manager feels the squad is in place to beat the drop.

He said: "I think we've got all the tools at our disposal to do so.

"I've harped on for a while about what I thought I needed to improve us and keep people on their toes.

"Albert was one I'd wanted for a while, Lee I was surprised at in a way because I didn't know he was available until relatively recently but in terms of a striker who fitted the bill he was identikit really."

Onuora has hinted though that his spree could leave the way clear for one or two to exit the County Ground, on whatever basis.

He said: "It is a squad system and I will pick and choose as I see fit.

"But to be absolutely fair to one or two who haven't really figured recently I have to be able to say it is January and if you can get fixed up somewhere else then I'd understand."

Today's clash with the Cherries is the first of 11 remaining home matches.

Three points and a brave approach is what Onuora is looking for.

He doesn't want players afraid to make mistakes.

"We've probably been better away at times for whatever reason but we have to address that. There's no point feeling sorry for ourselves or being apprehensive. We have to go out and play without fear.

"You have to be brave to want the ball, to receive the ball and the like.

"It's mental strength as well as physical strength."

Onuora feels the wide boys could be key to today's contest.

He said: "Bournemouth are a good footballing side. I expect it to be a bit more expansive than at Gillingham last week. "The wide players will be important on both sides.

"We have to play when we have the chance to do so and to try and stop them having the freedom they want."

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