THERE is nothing quite like a derby game to get you going.

Today we take on Swindon Town and to the outside world it might look like a slightly strange local derby.

There’s quite a distance between the two places and you don’t automatically think of the two clubs as rivals.

Let me assure any doubters out there, this is as intense a derby as any you will find in football in this country.

I’ll admit that it took me a little bit by surprise when I first arrived.

All that people kept saying to me was ‘Just make sure you beat Swindon and you’ll be OK’.

They weren’t even in our division!

But having sampled a derby in the JPT last season I can safely say I get it now.

The build-up, the fans on the way into the stadium, the expectant buzz you can hear from deep inside the dressing room.

It is a fantastic occasion, one which you should relish whether you are a player, a coach or a supporter.

If you don’t enjoy games like this then you are in the wrong job.

Having said that, we have approached the game in exactly the same way as we do any other match.

We have a certain routine that we stick to and which builds carefully towards each fixture.

We did the same things last season for some pretty big cup games and they served us well, so I see no reason to start changing.

Perhaps the one thing we have emphasised more than usual is the need for discipline and self-control.

I have played in games like this and the adrenaline can make you do strange things.

We have to be mindful of that and will make sure that every player is aware of his responsibilities.

On the whole our disciplinary record has been excellent.

I think today there will be a key role for experienced players like Joe Skarz, Phil Edwards and for those who have played in these games before, such as John Lundstram, Alex MacDonald and Liam Sercombe, to talk to the younger ones around them throughout the game.

The one thing we know for sure is there is going to be an unbelievable welcome for us come three o’clock.

If you are coming along then be loud, be proud and help us make it another truly memorable derby day.

AFTER a hectic first few weeks of the season it was good to have no midweek fixture.

It allowed everyone to draw breath and recharge the batteries a little bit after a frantic start to the campaign.

It has also given us the chance to sort out loan moves for James Roberts, Josh Ashby and Jonny Giles at Oxford City.

It was good to see Jonny score on his debut at Bath on Tuesday – an impressive 3-1 win for City – and the deal will help keep all three of them, as well as Robbie Cundy and Jack Stevens who are also at Court Place Farm, match sharp.