‘Whatever your agenda, park it and focus on winning promotion’
Alex Neil has warned that Sunderland cannot afford to underestimate Gillingham as they look to give their play-off hopes a major boost this afternoon.
It has been a difficult campaign for Gillingham so far but their fortunes have improved significantlysinceformerMillwall and Cardiff City boss Neil Harris replaced Steve Evans at the end of January.
"I think there's been a fundamental change since Neil went in," the Black Cats boss said.
"They've become really difficult to beat. I was at their game at Accrington Stanley wheretheywon,andIwatched them draw with Sheffield Wednesday.
"I've probably seen them about five times, they aren't easytobeat,defensivelythey've been strong and they've got a threat in transition.
"Those are the things that we need to guard against, and we need to make sure that we perform well and create as many opportunities as we can.
"I've got an expectation of how I think they'll play but teams do alter their approach at the Stadium of Light a lot more than they would do otherwise.
"I don't think there'll be too many variations, I think he's found a system and a process that is working for them.
"They don't concede a lot of goals, they're dangerous from set plays and on the break.”
Neil is confident that Sunderland's improving record,
with four clean sheets in the last six games, means that his sidecanlooktothefinalmonth of the campaign with confidence as they aim to secure a top-six spot.
"What I’ve said to the players since I came in is whatever your plans are, whatever your agenda is if you like, you need to park it for 15 games and focus on one thing and one thing only,” Neil said.
"As any individual, your positionisstrengthenedbyusbeing successful. Whether you want to stay here, move on and getanewcontractelsewhere,if youmanagetogetapromotion here on your CV your position is markedly improved.
“That’s the sole focus for every one of us.
“We just need to focus on the remaining games, one at a time. The wider picture at the moment is not as important to me.
“It’s about small steps and getting the process right. My focus is on getting the team as prepared as possible on Saturday and trying to win that game. If we can do that, it takes us one step closer.”