Go win the lot

A statement sure to raise more than a few eyebrows, it would mean a dramatic turn in fortunes but he believes it's the best way to approach the run-in.

"We're going out to win all four games," he exclaimed.

"We've got to try and win the lot.

"None of them are beyond us even Ipswich away.

"We've done that before a couple of years ago when we dented their promotion hopes.

"Nothing's impossible.

"If Norwich can win at Man United, we can win at Ipswich."

Albeit largely unsuccessful, Gradi has take a lot out of recent fight-backs, particularly last Saturday's stellar effort at Millwall.

"It's a great consolation, against Sunderland and Derby we came back and gave it a really good go," he added.

"In the cold light of day it was stirring stuff at Millwall and you could say we ran out of time again.

"With about eight minutes to go, I thought we were going to go on and win it.

"We've analysed the second half because that's where it all happened.

"The manner we gave the goals away was disappointing and we've still got work to do.

"But it's not all doom and gloom.

"We showed terrific spirit.

"At 3-0 down I didn't give them much chance and I was starting to think about goal difference and about keeping it down.

"But to their credit they didn't give up.

"Jonah was back to something like his best and that's a big plus for us.

"He was one of the two scorers who got us where we were.

"Andy and Luke got in the box and it's encouraging.

"It's a question of putting quality balls into the box and it's that quality we're after.

"We can build on that."

Crewe kick start their fight for survival in a massive six-pointer at relegation rivals Gillingham, this Saturday.

Gradi's expects a battle against Stan Ternent's rejuvenated side.

"It's going to be a different type of game," he explained.

"We'll have to see the state of the pitch when we get there to see how much we can play.

"We can't afford to play pretty football if they play efficient football.

"They're big and powerful but I'm sure they'll still try and play.

"They've got two big strikers and although I don't know too much about Darius Henderson, the other one is a giant man and they're going to cause problems.

"If I was Stan, I would be doing the same.

"Maybe it's the game for someone who is going to get the high balls into the box."

Despite angering Gradi with an unexpected absence against Forest, Clayton Ince is in line for a re-call.

"It just might be the game for Clayton," he continued.

"It could well be determined by how both he and Ben have done in training this week.

"I might throw the gauntlet down on Friday and say to them it depends on how many you let in today.

"It's a question of how many up and unders we're going to get at Gillingham and Clayton's better with the high balls.

"There's no point worrying about our situation, we need to try and play our way out of trouble.

"If we could try any harder, there would be something wrong."