Tommy Rowe insists there is a determination for Rovers to get on the front foot from the first whistle in Saturday’s crunch clash with Crewe Alexandra.
Rovers host Sky Bet League One’s bottom side this weekend in real need of a win as they look to keep their own survival hopes alive.
And captain Rowe says the squad are keen to make a positive start against Alex to spread belief throughout the Eco-Power Stadium.
Rowe on the current situation:
“We’ve had many must-win games recently.
“As players, the main thing we have got to do is keep working as we have done on the training ground. We’ve had a lot of good work over the last few games but we’ve not got the results we wanted.
“That’s been a difficult thing for us and obviously for the fans it’s frustrating because they don’t see the work we put in during the week.
“We’ve had moments in games where it could have gone the other way and that has been the story of the season.
“There’s no hiding from the fact this is a big game this weekend. It’s time to believe.”
On ensuring an upturn in fortunes on the pitch:
“We have to work as a group with the way that we challenge each other.
“It’s been a learning culture all season and it has had to be with the young players that you’ve seen come through this year.
“It can’t be all about pretty football. You’ve got to work through the tough moments.
“With that being said, the culture has had to change a lot. We’ve got to this part of the season and we’re still improving and still trying to learn on the training ground.
“The staff have been putting in a lot of work this week and letting us know that we need to work as a team, with player ownership. Players have to take responsibility.”
On his message to supporters:
“We’ve not got the mindset of relegation. That’s not where we are.
“Our mindset is on Saturday to win the game. That’s the approach we’ve got to take.
“I’ve been in teams that have struggled for a full season and fans not being happy is normal. It’s part of football.
“As players, it’s our job to get them off their seats. That is scoring goals, creating chances, showing workrate for each other.
“I’m fully aware of what we need to do individually. Collectively we need to see it.
“If we do that on Saturday, it won’t take long for supporters to start singing again.
“It needs to go both ways and they’ve been very good for the majority of the season for us and unfortunately we’ve not been so good.
“We’ve got to get through this tricky part and it starts on Saturday with a big game.
“We’ve got to start the first 15 minutes in a way that is going to excite them.
“It’s easy for me to say what we have to do. Sometimes you just have to show it.
“Now, as players, we need to take ownership, go out there on Saturday and produce.”
On being one of the most experienced players in the squad:
“It’s been enjoyable, that side of it.
“If I can take myself back to where I was when I was a young player, having good people around me who taught me what it takes to be a footballer. They were the fondest memories I’ve had.
“My job is to instruct the young lads, make them enjoy it as well and not be too hard on them. There’s been loads of positives for the young lads.
“I hate losing. It’s the hardest thing about football.
“But being in professional football for 15 years, you have to roll with it, ride the tide and hopefully keep learning and improving all the way.
“We always want the young lads to see it as progression but at the same time we’re in a position where people’s livelihoods are at stake.”
“There is a realism where you have to come into work and fight to win games. That is something we’ve worked for all season.@