Gary Bowyer has stressed the importance of finishing the season strongly and is keen to see his side put on a positive performance at Scunthorpe this afternoon.
The Iron are still very much in the Sky Bet League One relegation battle and Bowyer believes the visit to Glanford Park – in City’s penultimate game of the 2018-19 campaign - will offer a stern test.
He said: “The main focus is picking a team that is ready to have a good go at Scunthorpe.
“It is our final away game and I imagine we will have a good following, as we have since I have been here. We need to try and give them something to enjoy.
“Scunthorpe are probably saying the same as us. They do not really know how they have found themselves where they are in the league.
“They will be nervy because they are trying to stay in the division. But the pressure is totally off us now, the players have just got to go out there and perform.
“When relegation was confirmed, the mood was not good. But you have to quickly get on with it, and deal with reality.
“It is important we concentrate on these remaining two games. We have lots to play for - individually and collectively.”
While focussing on the final two games of the season, the City boss has confirmed plans are already very much in place for next season.
Being no stranger to life as a League Two manager - having helped Blackpool to promotion at the first attempt in 2017 - Bowyer has assured supporters his squad will be ready.
He said: “We have been very busy this week preparing for next season, it is exciting for me to try and piece things together for the summer.
“There are no guarantees. It is a tough league to get out of and myself and the staff are fully aware of the challenge lying ahead next season.
“The fact we have been relegated does not give us any right to believe we are guaranteed automatic promotion next year; it just does not work like that.
“But I can guarantee we will have an honest, hard-working team which will be very competitive in League Two.”