JUST GIVE ME THREE POINTS


11:00 - 01 October 2004
Ian Atkins was today refusing to be drawn into a new war of words with
Oxford United, the club he managed last season. Now in charge of Bristol
Rovers, Atkins was involved in a public falling-out with U's chairman Firoz
Kassam which ended in his acrimonious departure from the club in April.

Atkins tomorrow comes up against his former employers for the first
time since that spring bust-up when Rovers take on Oxford at the Memorial
Stadium.

But he is playing down the whole affair in an effort not to re-open
old wounds.

"I don't give a monkey's that we're playing Oxford," declared Atkins,
when questioned about the significance of the match.

"I just want to get the three points. Oxford, Liverpool, Manchester
United, Real Madrid - I always want a result, and this weekend is no
different."

He added: "If there are some sad people down there who try to stir it
up, then that's up to them.

"I'm not interested if their players are wound up for it. That will
only wind our's up more to perform well against them.

"It really doesn't bother me. I want the three points - that's the
important thing."

Atkins enhanced his reputation during two-and-a-half years at the
Kassam Stadium and took Oxford to the top of the Nationwide Third Division
last season. But a record of one defeat in 26 games was overshadowed by a
split between chairman and manager.

When Kassam learned that Rovers had approached Atkins to succeed Ray
Graydon, he suspended the Midlander and eventually replaced him with Graham
Rix.

Atkins left the U's in fourth place, after which they suffered five
defeats in the final nine games and missed out on the play-offs.

Kassam, who criticised Atkins publicly, is expected to stay away from
tomorrow's clash.

Veteran Rovers goalkeeper Kevin Miller insists the players will do
their utmost to deliver victory for their manager.

Miller, pictured above, said: "Given what has gone before with the
gaffer and Oxford, this game definitely has a bit of extra spice.

"We owe it to ourselves and the manager to win this game following our
display at Nothampton last week. We were really poor in the first half and
we want to put that right against Oxford.

"I know the media are building the game up, but every game we play is
important. Oxford are on the same points as us and look as though they're
going to be challenging this season.

"If we can beat them, it will give us massive confidence."

Former Oxford striker Richard Walker has recovered from a knee injury
sustained during Tuesday's LDV Vans Trophy victory over Kidderminster and
Atkins selects from a fully-fit squad.

But midfielder James Hunt will not feature against his former club.
Sent off at Northampton last Saturday, Hunt is serving a three-match ban.


[Bristol Evening Post]
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