ANDY KING views the play-off fight to the finish unfolding in the final six games of the campaign once those who demonstrate their staying power shake off the mere 'hopefuls'.

He also believes that should his team end the campaign in a top six slot then it will be a far bigger achievement than last year's success.

Town head to Doncaster Rovers today as one of seven or eight teams still boasting realistic hopes of forcing their way into the play-off slots.

King said: "I think it will be a lot clearer after the next half-a-dozen matches just who is going to fight it out to the finish.

"We obviously hope that we will be one of those teams."

Should Town end the campaign above the play-off dotted line, King feels it will surpass the 'success' of 2003-4.

He said: "To reach the play-offs this time would be a far bigger achievement than last year.

"By that I mean that so many more things have gone against us this time.

"I lost 20 goals in the shape of Tommy Mooney, I've had injuries to key players and then we've had all the problems off the pitch that have been made public.

"The last five games have given us a boost but it isn't a sudden transformation.

"We weren't a million miles off before, we couldn't have been as we wouldn't have risen to seventh as a result of this run.

"It is a season where you are judged over 46 matches."

There is no doubt that the respective arrivals of Mick Harford and Michael Proctor has given the club another boost.

King said: "I am confident though that the pieces are now being put in place, on and off the park.

"We have no divine right to be successful though."

The Town boss heads for Doncaster in upbeat mood and won't hear talk of simply battling for a point.

He said: "Like last week, I'm going there with a positive attitude. I love winning football matches.

"Doncaster have the boy Neil Roberts in their side. He's someone I wanted but couldn't afford earlier in the season.

"It's an intimidating place to play but the pitch has been good over the years."

Unlike most of his players King is no stranger to Belle Vue.

He said: "I was waiting for a settlement from Mansfield Town and I spent seven or eight weeks helping out Kerry Dixon who was the manager then."

The only dark cloud on the horizon for King could be a curse.

Victory at Doncaster today would leave Town with four wins and a draw from their five February fixtures and the Town boss would be a hot contender for the dreaded manager of the month award.