Jason Roberts on Survival Sunday: The tension takes over your life

21 May 2011 03:18
ShareThe play-off final for a place in the Barclays Premier League is often called the richest game in the world, but there is another side to that coin.[LNB] Someone has to make way for whoever joins QPR and Norwich in the top flight. Someone has to take a hit, financially and in terms of pride and prestige, and we are about to find out who.[LNB] Do or die: Roberts is consumed by the fight against the drop[LNB] It is the most exciting and intriguing relegation finale for years. Two places still to be filled with 90 minutes to go and Wigan, Wolves, Blackpool, Birmingham and my club, Blackburn, all in danger of following West Ham through the trap door.[LNB] The stakes could hardly be higher, and stout hearts and strong minds are needed as we all head into Survival Sunday. From being a small kid, all I ever wanted to do was pull on a pair of boots and play football, so I consider myself very fortunate to have made a career out of the game. But it does take over your life.[LNB] Before I became a professional, I worked as an exports clerk in an office and when I clocked off, I switched off. You can't do that as a footballer.[LNB] It is important to get the balance right, though, and as I've gotten older I have learned it is counter-productive to dwell too much on the implications of what could happen tomorrow. If you spent too long thinking about what it would mean to the club and how it could plunge a community into mourning, you wouldn't be able to tie up your laces.[LNB] Great belief: Blackpool boss Ian Holloway[LNB] Equally, you have to be single-minded and make sure you give it your undivided attention. Some players in mid-table will already be on the beach.[LNB] I haven't even looked at a holiday brochure. I cannot think beyond making sure we stay up and any considerations about getting away on holiday can wait.[LNB] It does get to you and there have been times in the past few days when I've been lost in my thoughts at home and oblivious to someone trying to engage me in conversation.[LNB] I'm convinced we've got enough to do it and if that means either Roberto Martinez or Blackpool's Ian Holloway not surviving, I'll be really sorry to see them go. I'm a real admirer of both and I've got so much time for Ollie after he gave me my big break at Bristol Rovers.[LNB] I had just stepped up from non-League and wasn't at all sure of myself, but Ollie instilled so much belief in me, I never looked back.[LNB] He's done the same with Blackpool. It has been all-out attack all the way, real live-or-die stuff, and that's exactly how it is going to be on Sunday.[LNB] Great final day escapes: Six Premier League clubs who beat the dropSurvival Sunday special: Who will join West Ham in the Championship?[LNB] [LNB] [LNB]  Explore more:People: Ian Holloway, Jason Roberts, Roberto Martinez Places: Birmingham, Norwich

Source: Daily_Mail