Southend United boss Rob Newman has warned his players to treat rock bottom Swansea City with the respect they deserve ahead of tomorrow's trip to Wales.
The struggling Swans currently prop up the rest of the Third Division, following a sorry run of just one success in 13 league outings this term.
But Newman said his sixth placed play-off chasers would need to fire on all cylinders to increase a winning streak which has seen Blues clock up three successive league triumphs.
Barrington Belgrave - gets his first start of the season as the replacement for suspended Graeme Jones Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL
"We will need to be both physically and mentally strong at Swansea as we are bound to face a tough scrap at the Vetch Field," he said.
"Swansea are a big club in this division, with an intimidating support, who have recently taken on a new manager and I'm sure we are in for a dogfight. They will want to prove they are better than their league position suggests and beat us to start moving back up the table."
Strikers Mark Rawle (hamstring) and Graeme Jones (one-match ban) are both missing tomorrow.
And Newman confirmed he would hand a first start of the campaign to Barrington Belgrave -- last weekend's injury time goal hero during the 1-0 Roots Hall win over York City.
Published Friday October 18, 2002
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article