Coventry City manager Micky Adams has warned against the dangers of over confidence ahead of the second of this week's two huge Highfield Road relegation showdowns, writes Ged Scott.
Having dragged the Sky Blues a step nearer safety with Saturday's tense, controversy-fuelled win over his old club Brighton, Adams is well aware that another of his old employers Nottingham Forest will prove an even bigger threat tomorrow night.
Coventry have now leapfrogged Brighton out of the Championship's bottom three, but Forest have been galvanised by the January arrival of Gary Megson and now lie four points from safety.
"Moving a couple of places up the table is a huge boost for us," said Adams, who was notching his first home win as Sky Blues boss in five attempts.
"We went into the game needing a break, particularly at home. And it was a vital three points for us. The effort and commitment was there again and I'm pleased with all of the players.
"It's a relief to finally get the home win we've been waiting for, as I think we've played some decent stuff at Highfield Road and haven't got the result we've been looking for.
"But we mustn't be complacent. We have to prepare right for Wednesday night because it is a big game.
"It is inevitable that that the relegation battle in this league will go to the final day.
"Everyone still has to play each other but I think the team who get back-to-back wins and points on the board will relieve a lot of pressure on themselves." The chances of Coventry getting the back-to-back wins they so urgently need would be massively improved if they could rely on 36-year-old Steve Staunton pitching in with another important goal.
The veteran fofmer Aston Villa defender hit Coventry's spectacular late winner with his first goal at Highfield Road, and his first for the club in 18 months.
"I've been lucky that I've worked with some quality professionals during my career," said Adams. "And Steve Staunton is up there with the best of them.
"It's a shame that he's possibly coming to the latter stages of his career and he understands that. But he's a terrific character who works hard and he's a great role model for the youngsters coming through at Coventry City."
