Boothroyd asks Cobblers fans to keep their cool at Sixfields

Boothroyd believes the Cobblers are in a great position with just 10 games of the season remaining, but he is wary of the affect nerves can play on his team, and also the club’s supporters.

As manager he will be doing his bit to keep the players nice and relaxed, and he is also appealing to the loyal Sixfields supporters to do just the same.

The Cobblers have struggled to find their best form in recent weeks, and their past two home matches ended in edgy 1-0 wins, with the goals to see off Plymouth Argyle and Bristol Rovers coming late in the day.

He is anticipating another tight game tomorrow when Accrington Stanley come to Sixfields (ko 3pm), and the last thing he wants is nerves and tension emanating from the stands.

“We know it’s a nervy time of the season but we’ve got to be pushing ourselves to be the best we can be,” said Boothroyd.

“What we’ve got to do is make sure that we don’t get caught up in all that nervousness and more importantly that our supporters don’t either, because if it’s 0-0 with 10 minutes to go on Saturday there needs to be people keeping calm and cool heads.

“As a club we have got upward momentum now and when you’ve got that you make sure that you try and keep it going.”

Boothroyd is a manager used to handling pressure.

Indeed, 12 months ago he was facing a more daunting task than he does now as he tried to keep the Cobblers in the Football League.

And he admits that the pressure of vying at the top end of the league is something he thrives on.

“The pressure on a Saturday now is an awful lot different to what it was this time last year, this is what I’m used to and I like it,” said the Cobblers boss.

“We have made progress and we want to keep getting better.”

Accrington come to Sixfields just one place and one point above the npower League Two relegation zone.

It is a game that the Cobblers are expected to win, but Boothroyd knows that they are a dangerous opponent.

“Accrington are fighting for their lives and what we’ve got to do is respect their strengths and at the same time exploit their weaknesses,” said the Town boss.

“I’ve seen Accrington play quite a few times this season and they do pose a threat so what we can’t afford to do is take them lightly and we won’t.”