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Let's do it for the fans
MATT Gilks has admitted he and his team-mates are fully aware that for the fans, games don't come much bigger than the derby match against Preston.
The Seasiders keeper is readying himself for his first taste of a Blackpool-North End derby on Monday.
And even though he describes it as "just another match", he accepts that to those on the terraces it means everything.
"To a Blackpool fan it won't come much bigger," admitted Gilks.
"It is bragging rights again and even though I didn't play, it was superb last year when Charlie Adam scored that goal and we beat them at their place.
"You are certainly aware of what it means to the fans. For the players it's another game.
"But having said that, because of the circumstances and the excitement on the terraces, it does mean something extra to the players as well.
"I am an Oldham fan and I want them to win every game. So when you play for any particular club you know how important it is to the supporters and how much they'll want to beat their local rivals.
"I wouldn't say there is more pressure on players in a derby game. You give it your all every game. Whether you are good or bad you try your hardest. So in that sense it is no different to any other game – because you always try your best.
"But you are aware of what it means to the fans and you do dream of making yourself a hero, like saving a penalty.
"But as long as we can get a result and send our fans home happy and with the bragging rights that is all that matters."
Gilks is revelling in his new found status as number one, though he's suffered too many disappointments in the past few seasons to start taking anything for granted.
"I might have been picked for the last few games but I don't feel assured of my place at all, or anything like that," said Gilks, who was last considered first choice when he was at Rochdale three seasons ago.
"After what happened last year, and before that at Norwich, I know that every single game I play I've got to do my best. I feel like I've done really well in the games I've played and I just hope it continues. I'm sure that if I do continue to play well I'll stay between the sticks."
Gilks did his chances no harm last week at Reading when he pulled off a string of fine saves, despite Pool losing 2-1.
"You do know if you've played well but at the end of the day if you lose then it means absolutely nothing," he added. "It doesn't matter if you've made a penalty save or pulled off a world class stop – it means nothing.
"We could have lost 8-1 at Reading and it still means the same as losing 2-1. Ultimately if you get beaten in a football match then you are down and miserable because you've lost.
"However, we are positive, not down about the Reading game. What has come out the match are a few things that we know we now have to work on – and we'll make sure we do that in training over the weekend."
n POOL find out tomorrow their FA Cup opponents.The third round draw is at 3.50pm and will be screened live on ITV after their coverage of the Kettering-Leeds clash.
The third round matches are scheduled to take place on Saturday, January 2. Advancing to the next round will earn the Seasiders 67,500 in prize money.
They will hope to do better than last season, when they were knocked out by non-league Torquay.
DON'T MISS OUT EIGHT-PAGE DERBY PULL OUT IN SATURDAY'S GAZETTE.
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Weather for Blackpool
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 4 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
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