Tomorrow Swindon travel the short distance up the M4 to take on local rivals Bristol City in the Second Division’s game of the day. In his three years at the County Ground defender Steve Robinson has, for the most part, been on the wrong end of results against City but the 28-year-old has reason to believe that things will be different this time round. Andy King’s in-form side are currently fourth in the table and a late equaliser in midweek against Luton stretched the club’s unbeaten league run to ten games. Givemefootball’s Mark Shail spoke to Robinson on the eve of the big local derby.
Q:ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE GAME TOMORROW?
A:Yes, they are always great games against Bristol City and tomorrow will be no exception. I’ve been out injured for the last five weeks but I’m fully fit now and just keeping my fingers crossed that I can win a place in the starting line-up. I came on as a substitute against Luton in midweek and did okay so hopefully that has improved my chances of a recall.
Q:HOW WILL YOU COPE, FITNESS WISE, IF YOU ARE SELECTED IN THE SIDE?
A:It will be tough because I haven’t even played a reserve match yet but I’ve done a lot of running and I feel ready. These are the sorts of games you want to be involved in and I certainly don’t want to miss out.
Q:IS IT FAIR TO SAY THAT YOU HAVEN’T GOT A GREAT RECORD IN DERBY MATCHES AGAINST CITY?
A:In previous seasons we have been struggling towards the bottom of the league and City have always been up there challenging for promotion. We have always been big underdogs in the derby games and more often than not we have gone into the game worrying about them rather than concentrating on our own strengths. But this year is different.
Q:SO WHAT HAS CHANGED?
A:During the summer Andy King made some shrewd signings and brought in the likes of Tommy Mooney, Sammy Igoe and Adrian Viveash. These players are all proven at a higher level and they have added a lot of experience to the team. Whereas in the past we have gone into games against City with an experienced young side, that is not the case this season.
Q:ARE YOU ENJOYING WORKING WITH ANDY KING?
A:The gaffer is a real character and you will struggle to find anyone as passionate about the game as him. His enthusiasm rubs off on everyone and he has instilled a great work ethic into the team. We have got defenders with experience, midfield players who compete and can pass the ball and two strikers who score goals – and that is a formula for success. We drew with Leeds in the Carling Cup, before eventually going out on penalties, but for the majority of the match we were the better side and that shows how far we have come.
Q:HOW DO YOU RATE THE STRIKE PARTNERSHIP OF SAM PARKIN AND TOMMY MOONEY?
A:Sometimes you get an attacking duo who hit it off and that’s exactly what Tommy and Sam have done. This league is very tight but when you have two players who can grab a goal at any time it makes such a difference. They have already scored 15 goals between them and I wouldn’t argue with Andy King’s claim that they are the best striking partnership in the Second Division.
Q:AND WHAT ABOUT SWINDON’S PROSPECTS OF PROMOTION?
A:This year there are no sides as good as Cardiff and Wigan were last season and that makes the league very open this time round. But when you have got strikers like Tommy and Sam you have to believe that we have a good chance. We are not going to get carried away and start shouting things from the rooftops but the way we are playing we don not fear anyone.
