Jim Jefferies on Thursday
Friday, 25th Apr 201424/04/14: JJ - Fans can do their part to drive us towards that goal.
Jim Jefferies is well aware that Saturday's opponents, Arbroath have plenty to play for:- "They have had a couple of great results. They played very well and deserved to win at Forfar last week, and you expect that from all the teams at the bottom of the league. They've been battling and they've been the form teams. "But in a way I would rather go into a game like that because that's what we'll expect in the play-offs, teams battling to get promoted. It's a similar scenario, teams have a reason to fight, whether it's relegation or promotion. "At least we'll know we have to be on our toes, and that's how we want to be going into the play-offs. "If they had lost at Forfar they would have been relegated and then you don't know how they would have approached this game. But we know what to expect. They went on record straight after the game last week that this is a massive game for them - and that's good." The Pars side against Ayr United last weekend saw six changes and that followed five changes the previous weekend. JJ claims that has given him "food for thought":- "We were playing a team that was fourth in the league and going for promotion who played their strongest team.
"But I've told the players reputations don't mean anything; don't think you're picked for the play-offs just because you're playing this weekend. This is just a chance, just as it was last weekend, and out of the two games we'll decide who's going to take us into the first game of the play-offs.
"They've got to book their place and show they're up for it, because you can only pick players on their form, as opposed to reputations."
The first visit to Arbroath this season, just prior to Christmas was played in difficult conditions but the Manager feels that it was still one of the best away performances of the season:-
"Hopefully we can show the same performance. I told the players on Tuesday who's playing this weekend and what's required, and then we'll revert back to playing the fringe players and a few youngsters against Rangers. They did fantastic at Ayr and it will be a great occasion for them.
"We have to look at our priorities. We run the risk, if Rangers play their full side, of losing handsomely, but maybe not. With a game three days later in the play-offs, we need to keep players fresh or free of injury or away from the risk of being sent-off.
"Alex Whittle hadn't trained this week after coming off last weekend but trained today. He was okay in the warm-up but once he got the high-tempo stuff he felt it and so he came off. He got a knock on his knee and he's still feeling it a bit, so he's doubtful. Alex is also on five bookings, but it's all right as long as he stays on five. If he doesn't play against Rangers that will keep him clear for the play-offs.
"Ryan Wallace's been given the go-ahead and there's no injection required, because they reckon that would just aggravate it. We'll deal with it in the long-term in the summer. Now, he's just got to work with the physio on easing the tension.
"We're planning to give him a bit of a run against Rangers, which means we could have him on the bench for the first-leg of the play-off semi-final, which will be away from home. But we might need him in the later matches as well.
The Manager advised that there was no developments on Faissal El Bakhtaoui contract talks but is expecting a phone call from his agent:-
"We're interested in a lot of players for next season and we've been linked with a lot of players. But we can't do anything until we find out which division we're going to be in. Players will be more easily attracted if we are in a higher division and we have to wait.
"There's nothing wrong with finding out who's available and drawing up a list, and he's one that could be of interest to us. But there will be a whole load of players out of contract shortly once everything is sorted out and so you can't just jump in and do things now.
"We'll draw up lists and we'll add to those lists when we get names we don't even know of yet. But we might be surprised by who comes in if we get in the Championship. That's where we want to be and it will be a cracking league next season.
"So we would be in a strong position to recruit people if we can get promotion. You can also understand if we don't and those same players get opportunities to play in that division then that's where we would lose out. So, there's a lot at stake in the play-offs, not just for our players gaining financially or playing at a higher level.
"It's in their hands and they've got an opportunity. But you can't play it for them, they've got to cross the white line. It's a case of 'how badly do you want it?' and 'here's your chance'. The players have got to produce when it matters.
"If they do that, they're going to be better off, they're going to be playing in a better league, with a higher profile. And it makes it easier for me to recruit new players and improve the team. There's a lot riding on it.
"We need the fans now. The fans are going to play the most important part. They've played a big part in keeping this club afloat and they've appreciated the work the players have put in.
"It's always difficult in any sport to cross the line, but now we need them to be the 12th man. Wherever we go and whatever game we play in, if they can do their part, which I'm sure they will, it will drive us towards that goal. This is where we need them more than ever.
"There's nothing better than when your supporters are getting behind you, which they have done this season; they've been fantastic. Even in the games when we've not played as well, they've stuck with us and they appreciate what's been done in difficult circumstances.
"Now, we need them to stick with us and help us get over the line, because it's better to play in a good atmosphere, with your fans encouraging you and roaring you on."
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