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Club News

Yates: Make Some Noise

25 April 2013

Club News

Yates: Make Some Noise

25 April 2013

Mark Yates' only focus is defeating Bradford on Saturday in front of a bumper crowd at Whaddon Road.

Mark Yates speaks to the media ahead of the final game of the season against Bradford.

"We've got to take care of ourselves. We know what we need to do, we know the permutations of what happens if we don't but our total focus is on preparing properly and making sure come Saturday should Rotherham slip up, we have to make sure we are there to capitalise."

The Robins could earn automatic promotion on Saturday should Aldershot win against Rotherham and they beat Bradford.

"I'm sure we'll assess it during the game, but not to the detrement of our performance. If we don't beat Bradford then it doesnt matter what happens up there. It's just a case of needing the three points.

The Robins were well beaten when the two teams last met in October 2012, losing 3-1 at Valley Parade.

"In the second half they battered us and they showed what a good side they are. First half we went 1-0 up and should have had a second penalty. It was the most blatant penalty in the world but we didn't get it. That's what happens sometimes and we got well and truly battered in the second half by a very good side.

"You've only got to see what they've done for the rest of the season, their achievements to get to the Capital One Cup Final was extraordinary to be honest. Credit to them for that, they've beaten some big teams, on some big nights and they've shown they can rise to the big occasion.

"I'm sure Phil Parkinson [Bradford Manager] will do whatever he feels is neccesary because that's his job. If he needs to rest some Saturday, if he needs to play his strongest team, he'll do whatever he thinks is right I'm sure of that. He'll take care of him and we'll take care of ourselves as well.

"Saturday is all we are thinking about. We always plan ahead, we know what we're doing if results don't go our way. We know where we are but I don't want to talk about 'what ifs.' We know what we're doing, our job is purely to beat Bradford and then we'll see where we are with the Rotherham result.

"I think we've already proved this season that we can perform at home. Of late, you've only got to look at the Rotherham, Northampton, Gillingham results, teams that we've beaten when we've had a decent crowd and the boys have responded to it. I'm just looking for exactly the same on Saturday.

"It's at home, the fans have got something to come and cheer about and be excited about and they can come in there numbers, like they did against Exeter, like they did against Gillingham, really give the boys their backing and real support, make some noise and hopefully the boys will respond to that against a really good side but one we're capable of beating as well.

"After Plymouth, it was a bit doom and gloom but they've responded perfectly as I knew they would do. Whatever happens Saturday, come Sunday we'll know exactly what we're doing and we'll move on from there in whatever direction that is.

"I'm not concerned with anything other than turning up at three o'clock and beating Bradford and if we don't then everything we're talking about is irrelevant. We'll be making sure the players aren't overtrained and they're prepared properly as normal."

"Paul Beson was back in training on Tuesday so he'll be fit and available. Bar Harry Hooman we're at full strength. We need a good couple of days now, keeping them relaxed, keeping them calm and readying themselves for one last big effort out  of the last 46 games that we're scheduled to play come the start of the season."

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