Boss Deeney calls for calmness in front of goal

FOREST Green Rovers boss Troy Deeney has called for his players to be more calm in front of goal as two of the most out-of-form teams in the English Football League clash.

Neither Rovers or today’s hosts Salford have won in League Two since October, and Deeney expects a direct approach from the home side.

“They are not going to move away from who and what they are, they do a lot of long ball,” declared Deeney.

“They have got big Matt Smith up there, I have known Matty a long time, a real handful.

“A good friend of mine, Adrian

Mariappa, is there as well, so I will be showing all the boys how to run past him because I have got a few years of doing that!

“We have got to deal with the pitch, because the pitch is awful, deal with the first contacts, and then when we get the opportunities, have that bit more composure and that bit more calmness to slot the ball away.”

While Deeney, right, has taken two points from his first four matches since succeeding David Horseman as boss, Salford will hope for a ‘new manager bounce’ after appointing Karl Robinson yesterday. ■ Swindon have signed midfielder Dawson Devoy on a loan deal from MK Dons until the end of the season.

The 22-year-old has made 58 appearances for the League Two side since signing in July 2022, including 14 this season.

Defender Williams Kokolo has also signed a contract extension with the club to the end of this campaign.

The 23-year-old Frenchman has played ten times since joining the Robins in November.

Swindon host lowly Colchester today. The Essex side appointed Danny Cowley as boss this week.