Sam: Rovers must embrace challenge

Published Nov. 26, 2010 1:15 p.m. ET

foxsports

Rovers come up against an unbeaten United side who have won six of their seven home fixtures in the Premier League this season, and Allardyce thinks it will be vital his team are not overawed by their surroundings. "What I'm really concerned about is making sure that they go out and play their best because that will give them a chance to get a result," Allardyce said. "It's all right organising systems and saying 'do this and do that', but the players need to embrace the Old Trafford atmosphere and not be frightened. "That can bring the best out of you and if it does, you can have a fantastic afternoon, and so can the fans. But it is always one of the most difficult places to get a result at. "The reason for playing in the Premier League is to wait for the opportunity to come around and play at stadiums like Old Trafford. "That is what you play football for, and if you shrink in that atmosphere, you really shouldn't be here - it has got to bring the best out of you. If you fear that, you will end up moving down the divisions very quickly." Allardyce also believes match officials need to be strong in the Old Trafford environment. "We're all human beings and human beings are prone to making mistakes," he said. "The pressures that are put upon us are the reason we make mistakes and that happens to us all, including the officials. "It is a very difficult place to manage and perform at your best because of the pressure you are under, and that is the same for referees and their assistants. "There are so few referees coming through with the capabilities to referee in the top flight. It's like top players today, who are difficult to find." Allardyce has not spoken directly to the new owners since Sunday's 2-0 win over Aston Villa but hopes to be discussing the club's long-term future with them soon. "I have not met with the new people (since Sunday) but I have spoken with some of their representatives and I think we have had a positive conversation," Allardyce said. "It hasn't gone into finance or players, but it has gone into where I'm at in football terms and what they are planning to do in the near future. "Then you have to have a long-term plan, but I am looking forward to the conversation in the near future, to sit down and make further plans as quickly as possible."