Keep calm, urges Knill

2:16pm Saturday 26th April 2008

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ALAN Knill is urging his side to keep their cool if tempers boil over in this afternoon's derby.

The last time the two sides met a Gigg Lane, Darran Kempson was sent off and there were no fewer than six bookings dished out in a stormy encounter.

And though the Bury boss acknowledges that he does now know how his players will handle the pressures of a derby atmosphere, he has warned them to keep focus.

"Without being disrespectful, it isn't Manchester United against Manchester City - there isn't that kind of pressure on the players. In fact, I think it matters more to the fans," he said.

"But sometimes that feeling bleeds through on to the pitch for the players and they get caught up in it. Some just take it in their stride and get on with it, some go the other way but I am yet to see how it will affect them.

"I've probably played in a Rochdale-Bury derby and I certainly did between Swansea and Cardiff and I know how heated these type of games can get. But there is a job to do, and it does us no good if we go down to 10 men.

"All of a sudden players get braver. They think they have to do things that are not common to them, whether it be a wreckless challenge or say something stupid to the referee. It's about focus, and doing your job."

Knill also expressed admiration for today's opponents Dale, who need three points this afternoon to stay in the race for automatic promotion.

"They have plenty of pace out wide and a goalscorer through the middle and I have to say, I like the team," he said.

"It doesn't surprise me where they are in the table because they have an energy and enthusiasm about them that really works."