01 Apr 2009

The physio turned manager has left no stone unturned in his side’s preparations for Sunday’s big game and will be using some iconic film and music to get his troops in the right frame of mind.

He said: “We won’t be overawed for the game, make no mistake. It is human nature to have nerves before any big game, but we will respond to that.

“I will be playing them Gladiator beforehand to give them a bit of inspiration as they look forward to stepping out at Wembley.

“This game is all about the squad. It is more than the 11 men on the pitch, every player and backroom member will have a big part to play on the day.

“I will also play the lads some footage of John Bentley, the ex British Lions winger, when he heard he had not been selected for an all important test against South Africa and the great way in which he responded.

“We will also show the players a short clip of David Beckham, who was talking last week about the big role he still has to play for England, even when on the substitute’s bench.

“And I will play them Take That’s song – The Greatest Day of Our Lives – before the game, to really inspire the players. I have done psychology courses and we are big on this aspect of the game here.”

The likeable Liverpudlian makes no secret of the importance of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and referred to his beloved hometown side, then managed by Kenny Dalglish, when the Reds lost in the FA Cup final against Wimbledon in 1988.

He added: “We will be classed as favourites, but that goes out of the window when kick off comes round. I remember that Liverpool (v Wimbledon) game ever so well. Look what happened back then. On any given day any side can beat any other.

“We will prepare in the right way and we will respect Luton. It will be a tough, tough game. I have the utmost respect for Mick Harford and the work he has done at Kenilworth Road. It will be a great day for everyone there. We will have to earn the right to play early on.”

Adkins, who has spent 13 years at Scunthorpe, admitted he asked the chairman to lead his side out onto the hallowed Wembley turf before kick-off, in a gesture befitting his thoughtful nature.

“It will be such a proud moment to lead the side out. It will be a proud day for everyone involved. I asked the chairman if he wanted to, because this game means so much to the club.

“I just think that the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy is a great competition, for all the clubs involved.

“I publicly stated at the start of the season that I wanted to win it, and that I take it very seriously.

“Before we kicked a ball I said that I wanted to get promoted and I wanted to win the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. I thought I should set our stall out to win the competition and it is fantastic to now be at the final.”

Johnstone’s. Bringing colour to the beautiful game.