PRESSURE IS OFF!

PLAYING AT EMPTY STADIUM COULD HELP TOWN’S FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL, SAYS FORMER STRIKER ROBERTS

prepare for a June 20 return behind closed doors.

And while the atmosphere inside a stadium can often carry teams to victory, Roberts believes there is added pressure from the stands when teams are scrapping at the wrong end of the table and that empty stadia might allow for some players to be more expressive.

He said: “When you’re flying at home, as soon as you go on the pitch you’re expecting to win because of the atmosphere and the crowd behind you.

“I’ve also tasted the other side of it, where you’re having a bad time at home, performances aren’t good, and as soon as you make a mistake then fans can get on top of you. So, I think it’ll work as an advantage for some teams.

“Players can feel pressure when home fans aren’t happy with performances. Maybe in an empty stadium, they could go out and express themselves more freely.”

Roberts made more than 150 appearances for Town between 1990 and 1993 before a move to Leicester City.

The former Wales international recalled playing in a behind closed doors game for Norwich City and believes that despite the lack of atmosphere there will be no issues regarding motivation for the players. He said: “It’s going to be strange; it’s going to be different.

But the players know it’s all to play for in these last games.

“It’s been a tough season. Town aren’t quite safe and still have to fight to get more points to move away from the bottom three.

“I do think, even though there will be no atmosphere, the players have to create their own atmosphere, they know there’s nine massive games for Huddersfield Town, that should be enough motivation to create that.”