GOING up to Shrewsbury next Tuesday is going to be a little strange.

Several of the players will need no lifting for that game but it’s going to be tough as Shrewsbury are doing quite well.

We feel that it’s a winnable game and will aim to go into it full of confidence.

Graham Turner will have had us watched and will, I hope, be telling his players that we are hard-working, well-organised and pass the ball well.

I like to think that’s where we’re at currently although, of course, we know that we need to improve.

I worked with Graham for a long time and have drawn a fair bit – his work-rate, his commitment, his passion, some of the things that he does in training – into my own management style.

I spent a lot of time with him and have the utmost respect for him.

It will be strange to see Graham, John Trewick and Tony Ford on the opposition bench. I shall have to be careful that I don’t get confused and go and sit with them!

But, seriously, it’s going to be a great experience for me and I shall enjoy every minute of it.

Graham knows that I’m competitive and want to win the game. He will be exactly the same – he’ll be desperate to win it.

Before that, though, we have a massive game at Lincoln on Saturday.

We are under no illusions that we are still in the relegation fight.

Yes, we are unbeaten in seven but we need to convert some of the draws that we have had into wins.

Drawing is all very well but I’m a perfectionist and want to win games. As a group of players, we have to get a winning mentality back.

We may still be without a home win but, as far as I’m concerned, if we are drawing at home and winning away then that makes no difference.

Statistics will tell you that it’s not unusual for teams to win more away than they do at home – whether that’s because of pressure, or whatever, is the million-dollar question.

It’s not helping us having players injured or suspended and sitting in the stands.

But the lads who have gone into the side have done very well.

I won’t deny, though, that we need to improve the squad – that would bring competition for places and should produce better form among the current players.

You need then to be playing well or someone will step in to take your place; nobody’s place in the team is safe and they know that they have to work hard.

We’ve got a good team spirit and Russell Hoult has been very important in that.

When I was a player, the experience I had with the groups I played with was generally very good and it’s something I’ve wanted to bring to the current squad.

Russell is a very jovial character and is a lot of fun - we have tried to keep things light-hearted and I hope that has shown in the players.

We have tried to reduce the anxiety and bring some enjoyment back to playing.