Dowie confident

Latics manager Iain Dowie enters the two legged semi-final play-offs against his former club full of confidence. Although he admits it will be daunting he expects to get through and said, “This is the most crucial phase of the season — we face a three-game tournament and every one is like a cup final. QPR are a massive club with quality players, so it’s going to be very tough. They have a fan base of about 13,000 and the second leg at Loftus Road will be like entering the lion’s den. The fact I’m going back there adds extra spice, but you learn about people in tense situations and I don’t think my players will be found wanting. We have taken four points off QPR this season and we know we’re a good side. We will look forward to testing ourselves because this is what it’s all about."


"QPR, Cardiff and Bristol City have been up there with us all year, so the play-offs look open — it’s a hard one to call. All four sides would grace the first division, but my players have been fantastic this season and I hope they get what they deserve.”