Crawley Town boss: Bring on final round showdown with Salford
Colin Kazim-Richards wants Crawley Town’s ‘final round’ showdown with Salford City at the Broadfield Stadium to come as soon as possible.
Tomorrow’s contest will determine whether the Reds remain in the EFL, with just goal difference and a single place separating them from the relegation zone.
Kazim-Richards' side know that a win will guarantee their safety, but permutations of other fixtures mean they could still stay up even if they lose their final game of a frustrating season.
Since taking charge of the club six games ago, the Reds boss has echoed the sentiment that the team have work left to do, but it will all need to come together this weekend.
“It's one more round, but it's the final round,” Kazim-Richards said. “We're in the 12th round right now – [the] last minute of the 12th round. It's a weird feeling - you actually want it to be here right now.
“Obviously, we've got two days to prepare for it. It's like it's dragging out, but it gives us time to work on a few things, gives us time to watch film and see what edge, what details we can gain in the game, and then it's all about executing.
“I think the main focus is executing what we believe we are able to do. We have to execute.”
He added: “The message is easy, actually executing is different. You've always got someone that's there, willing to compete.
“It's a job that obviously you have someone trying to stop you from fulfilling your job requirements.”
Salford travel to the Broadfield in fourth place and within touching distance of automatic promotion to League One.
The Ammies are a point behind third-placed Cambridge United and will need be relying on the U’s to drop points.
Despite the visitors winning eight of their last 11 games, Kazim-Richards views the fact that they have something to play for a positive for his side.
He said: “Whatever type of sport that you're in, when someone comes just not to get beat, I believe it’s tougher to break that down than someone actually coming and needing to win as well or playing for the win.
“There's exploitation to be had on the pitch with gaps, and the trade-offs of trying to win a game is sometimes you can concede goals. So, in that aspect, there's something to focus on.
“It is easier to relay that message. I think that's the weird situation of both teams is that actually both teams have something to really aim for. Different perspectives, different sides of the table, but that’s the truth.”
Essentially, 23rd-placed Harrogate Town hold the key to the Reds’ EFL future if they fail to beat Salford.
The Sulphurites host in-form Barnet and need to better Crawley’s result to have any chance of leapfrogging them.