Championship relegation battle: Rival bosses have their say

PLYMOUTH

The Pilgrims welcome Hull to Home Park on the final day knowing they need to match Birmingham’s result against Norwich to beat the drop.

Plymouth are a point above the Blues and also have a better goal difference despite losing at Millwall last weekend.

However, it will be far from easy against the Tigers, who could climb above West Brom and secure a play-off spot if they secure the three points.

Ahead of the fixture, first-team coach Kevin Nancekivell has called on the supporters to be the 12th man and create a fierce atmosphere.

“It is in our hands, which is a massive positive to cling on to,” he told the club website. “We control our own fate rather than relying on other people, so that is good. We know what we've got to do. 

“I am expecting a full house, and a really loud and crazy Argyle performance from the supporters - as we always get. Hopefully we can respond with a performance. 

“We have had a couple of these conversations lately, and having these conversations about the Green Army.

“We keep asking of our supporters, don't we? I apologise for that but again, I know what they will bring. They hopefully know what we are all about, we will give everything we can.

“I do not need to ask them to come and be loud because I know they will. They have carried this football club across the line in many situations that have been worse than this, and I know that they will do the same again on Saturday.”

BIRMINGHAM

The picture is slightly more difficult for the Blues, whose destiny is not in their own hands heading into the final day.

Birmingham interim boss Gary Rowett (Image: PA)

Gary Rowett has taken interim charge in recent weeks while Tony Mowbray stepped away from the game to receive medical treatment.

The Midlands club will view their last couple of results as missed chances, taking one point from trips to Rotherham and Huddersfield.

It looks set to be a tough test against Norwich, who have effectively secured a play-off place but will be keen to clinch fifth spot.

Rowett told Birmingham Live: “It is another opportunity where you have a chance to go and perform in a tough game against Norwich.

“We had a tough game against Coventry and we performed really well. We often play with a little bit more energy and quality at home because of our fans.

“We know it is going to be a full house and it is going to be a brilliant atmosphere. It’s going to need big character and us to handle the situation.

“We are going to see whether we are able to do that. If we don’t, we know the outcome. If we do, we give ourselves a chance.

“That is all we need to do and that’s all we’ve wanted to do in these seven games that we’ve been here for.

“While we have been competitive, and while there have been defensive improvements, we need to show more quality to win games of football.”

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY

Along with Rovers, the Owls have a three-point cushion over the bottom three heading into the final day. However, they have a worse goal difference than the sides around them.

The Yorkshire outfit head to Sunderland on the final day and will approach the fixture with belief following a 3-0 victory against West Brom last time out. The 3-1 victory at Ewood Park was also a major confidence boost.

Wednesday were adrift at the foot of the table when Danny Rohl took charge in October and it would go down as a great escape if they can get the job done against the Black Cats this weekend.

Rohl told the club website: “It stays in our hands and this is all we can ask. Now we have one more game to go, one more point and our job is done.

“No-one thinks this job is done now, I will not allow this. We will now recover then we are back in training and we prepare for our last game of the season.”

“We thank every single one of our fans and they know like we know that we are not there yet. We will prepare for Sunderland and we will aim to win the game.”