PRESS CONFERENCE LIVE: Bristol Rovers v Swindon Town

That conclude's todays press conference. We will have a full write-up of all the key points going out later today along with a new episode of 'The Presser' on the Loathed Strangers Podcast.

Garner on FGR match:

"It's the rules that we have to play the match because it's televised and it doesn't matter too much what my opinion is on that. I think the big thing is that it's a credit to the work we are doing here with players being called up for international duty and we spoke about wanting to improve players when we first came here. It's a real credit to the players and staff that they are getting that international recognition."

Garner on lack of goals:

"We're creating good opportunities and the process of getting to goal is good. There is only three teams in the league who have had more shots than us at goal so we are getting there and are creating opportunities. If you take the Colchester game for example, every stat is heavily in our favour, possession, shots, corners, expected goals, final third entries, whatever stat you look at we were very strong but the one that matters most we didn't get right.

It's just a case of continuing with that process. We have built from the back forwards and you have to do that. We wanted a solid base to work from and the way we play means you have to arrive in the final third. It's how we get the ball there, how we structure the team to do that, and we are doing that really well now we just have to take those opportunities and be more clinical in the final third."

Garner on managing team selection:

"I want selection headaches and there will be three or four players not particularly happy with me tomorrow and that is the job I have. We've made it clear since day one here that the environment we want is that player support each other.

I've got no problem with people being angry at me for not being selected and I want that disappointment, but I also want them to be supporting the teammates who have got the shirt because that's how we will be successful together."

Garner on Swindon baking from owner:

"The big attraction from me coming to Swindon is that there was a very clear alignment from everyone at the club. When I spoke to Ben Chorley for the first time it was clear we had very similar views and the types of players we wanted in at the club.

The alignment of what we wanted to create here at the club means Swindon is a really one club one ethos project that gives us a chance to build something here."

Garner on atmosphere:

"I think there has to be that balance. Our supporters have been fantastic in driving us on but we have to show that on the pitch. We have to challenge that passion but in the right way because if we get too emotionally invested then it can damage a performance. We want fire in the heart but ice in the veins."

Garner on Joey Bartons 'negligent' comments:

"I don't want to say anything on that. The focus from me is on our performance. What I say now doesn't impact the game tomorrow."

Garner on his Rovers tenure:

"It didn't go as well as I would've liked or anyone would've liked and that was down to a few different factors. I didn't waste energy on things outside my control but it made me a better manager and a better person. It was a big change to go from the style of play that was there to try and get to the complete opposite, we did a lot of those things but it takes time and after reflection it has stood me in better stead."

Garner on Rovers rivalry:

"As a derby game the supporters give it that extra spice and it will be a great atmosphere with our big away following as well. We are already working at the maximum for every single game in our preparations, the fact that it's a derby game will give us an extra edge tomorrow."

Garner on Bristol Rovers:

"It's been a bit up and down, they have a big and talented squad and I'm sure they will be looking to improve on the start to the season that they have had so far. We are concentrating on us and not looking outside these four walls. Our focus is squarely on us and we have no concerns what other team's are doing."

Garner on International call-ups:

"I spoke to JoJo when I first came in and it was his ambition to represent his country, JoJo's call-up is testament to the work he has put in here at Swindon Town.

The Forest Green Rovers is a televised game so no matter how many players are called up we have no option to call the game off and we have to play it."

Garner on team news:

"We've had a good week with everyone fit and back in the fold. Harry McKirdy has had a full weeks training, Anthony Grant has been much better this week and Jordan Lyden is improving constantly. We have no injuries and it's all positive news.

Jonny Williams has fulfilled the concussion protocols, he has ticked all the boxes and he is recovered."

Ben Garner has now joined us.

Just 3 points separate the two sides going into tomorrow's M4 derby with Joey Barton's Rovers team having picked up in form recently. Ben Garner will be aiming to keep his side's unbeaten away record going, but will this be possible?

We are in the Zoom call and waiting for Ben Garner to join us.

Thank you for joining us for this mornings press conference. We were hoping they would get later into the day as the season progresses but it seems Ben Garner is a fan of early mornings. As always we will be bringing you another episode of 'The Presser' on the Loathed Strangers Podcast today and will have a full round-up of today's key quotes going out.

Good morning and welcome to this mornings Total Sport Swindon live blog as we bring you full coverage from Ben Garner's pre-match presser ahead of Swindon Town's League Two trip to Bristol Rovers tomorrow afternoon. We'll be live from 8.25am as we build-up and bring you all the key quotes ahead of tomorrow's derby clash.