Johnson: We're raring to go!

Gary Johnson says his Cheltenham side are 'raring to go' ahead of their derby match against Swindon Town on Saturday in League 2.

Johnson: "When the fixtures came out, for the fans this is one of the games they would have looked forward to. The players enjoy it (a derby) , the managers enjoy it and the supporters enjoy it. They've sold out their allocation, it's going to be a great atmosphere."

Cheltenham have won 3 of their last 4 league matches, drawing the other and have climbed to 13th in the division, 7 points outside of the play off positions.

That good run of league form did not show in Cheltenham's 2-1 home defeat to local rivals Forest Green Rovers on Tuesday night in the Checkatrade Trophy, but the boss says that derby "did not have the same atmosphere" and that players who were given a chance did not perform.

However Johnson preferred to take the positives. "There's not as much at stake as there is on Saturday. There was a few we rested mid week. We'll be flying fit and raring to go."

On his strikers: "They're in good form, everyone does a little bit more than score a goal, they're trying to be a constant threat wherever the ball is."

"We've got to make sure we keep that league form up, we need a run, two's not a run yet but we've had 3 of the last 4 and one draw, which is an unbeaten run but we need a few more [consecutive] wins if we want to get near the play-offs."

The last meeting between the sides at Whaddon Road ended in a 5-0 home victory for the Robins, and a fourth win in five games could propel the Robins to within 4 points of the play offs. Johnson admits that his side "have got a bit to do" but says "If we're near the play off teams come Christmas, I think we've got a chance. We need to be within one or two wins from seventh place"

Asked if he was feeling superstitious about the run, he jokily replied "No not really. Touch wood." before stressing the only superstition is to "work harder." He says deep down "I know if, as a club, we've done enough."

"I've had quite a few games for a lot of clubs and I know you go through rough patches. When you start winning again, the attitude changes, which is an important thing. It can turn around, and if you've got to believe you can compete at this level."

On the clubs preparation for the start of the season, Johnson says the signings of Hinds, Moore and Morrell were important. "

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