Tom Watkins won’t be taking The Tigers’ improving league prospects into account as he prepares for Wednesday night’s clash with Hull Pirates at Telford Ice Rink.
The two teams meet in a rearranged fixture from Boxing Day, with Telford having won their last six English Premier League games – including three shut-outs.
Victory over Hull would see The Tigers leapfrog Swindon Wildcats into fifth place – with fourth and even third also within touching distance.
But head coach Watkins, who steered his side through a difficult start to their EPL title defence, is refusing to be distracted from the task in hand.
He said: “Our league position makes no difference if we’re not winning games. The only motivation we have is to win, so we won’t be looking four or five games ahead.
“We’re looking at one game at a time and making sure we put the points on the board. It’s only about winning and if we’re doing that, we know we’ll be improving our league position.
“We don’t need to get stuck looking at the league table. It’s game by game, winning individual battles on each shift and getting down to period wins.”
Telford’s improved league form has co-incided with the approach of transfer deadline day, with teams having until the end of January to make changes.
Watkins remains on the lookout for new additions to his squad, with forward Nathan Salem – who left the club in November for personal reasons – still to be replaced.
He added: “I think we’re light on numbers and need a couple of bodies. I’ve always said I’m looking for players and right now nothing has come up that I want to add to this team.
“With a couple of guys injured and Nathan Salem’s departure, we are short, so it’s about adding to this group. Maybe we’ll find someone, maybe we won’t.
“It’s up to the guys who are here, who are given a bit more responsibility, to make the most of it.”
Wednesday night’s game against Hull Pirates, at Telford Ice Rink, faces off at 7.30pm. For tickets, go to www.tigershockeyuk.com.
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