Outspoken Gannon slates Blues

12:24pm Friday 16th May 2008

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OUTSPOKEN County boss Jim Gannon has launched a three-pronged attack on Wanderers ahead of tomorrow's decisive second leg at Edgeley Park.

He has accused them of losing their heads in the battle to secure a place at Wembley.

He slammed them as being over-physical in the first leg.

And he attacked Paul Lambert's youth policy - even though Blues played a 17-year-old in the match.

All that comes after Gannon fanned the flames for the first leg by claiming that Wycombe were scared of his team following their record 6-0 defeat at Stockport in December.

The Hatters hold a slight advantage going into the second leg after Stephen Gleeson's late wonder goal earned them a 1-1 draw at Adams Park on Sunday.

But, with away goals not counting double, Gannon is using mind-games to try and unsettle Wycombe and squeeze out any slender advantage ahead of their first return to Edgeley Park since that 6-0 league stuffing.

After sounding off about Blues' tactics and tackles to the press, he even sought out two Wanderers youngsters in the Adams Park foyer and told them they haven't got a chance at Wycombe because the club doesn't play young players.

And, back in Greater Manchester this week, he has continued to turn up the heat, accusing Wycombe of losing their heads in the battle to secure a place at Wembley and promising that his team will be ice cool for tomorrow's knockout clash.

A full house is expected for tomorrow's televised duel, and Gannon's comments are sure to whip the home fans into a frenzy.

And Gannon believes his team have won the psychological battle.

He said: "There's no nerves in the camp. We've talked about mentality, being disciplined and in control.

"We saw all that at Wycombe last Sunday, while some people were losing their heads.

"We kept our composure, kept playing and stayed in the game, and I expect nothing different this weekend.

"It's going to be a fantastic occasion. I was so proud to see my team being roared on by our fans at Wycombe on Sunday. This weekend there will be thousands more there. We're in for one of those unique, special days."

But County look set to be without two key players as they bid to secure a Wembley play-off final place at Wanderers' expense.

Centre half Michael Raynes is ruled out with the hamstring injury he picked up at Wycombe while midfielder Dominic Blizzard is struggling to shake off the dead leg he received in the same game.

Jim McNulty, who replaced Raynes at Adams Park, is likely to fill in again while goalscorer Gleeson is expected to fill Blizzard's boots.