Steve Davis says Swindon possess same passion and desire of their manager

Steve Davis says tonight’s opponents Swindon Town will reflect the same passion and desire of their eccentric manager Paolo Di Canio. The Italian started his Swindon reign with a 3-0 win over Crewe Alexandra on the opening day of last season and went on to lead the Wiltshire club to promotion. Swindon won the League Two title and have made a promising start to life in the higher division.

Davis says his players will have to play to their potential to obtain anything from tonight’s game and the Crewe boss continues to be admirer of Di Canio’s work.

Davis told the club’s official web: “They are going well. They are one of the quality teams in this League. It is a challenge for us to get something for the game and we have to be getting something at home.

“Paolo has assembled a good team, and he improved from the one that dominated League Two. It is a tough challenge but we overcame that challenge at home last season and there is no reason we can't do that again. We will be the underdogs for at least 75% of our games this season.

“He is a very passionate guy who loves his football and wants the best for himself and his team. That is what I want, I want my team to mirror me and I am always disappointed when they don’t. I’m sure he is the same.

He added: “I was always a good starter as a player and had huge concentration skills and we have to get to that level.”