Peter Beagrie has issued a rallying call on the eve of Bradford City's crunch clash at Everton: Let's be bold and if we do go down, make sure we go down fighting.
The Bantams wideman has enjoyed a successful return to the Premiership this season with some fine displays wide on the left flank.
The 34-year-old has grabbed four league goals this term and has often been City's most dangerous attacking threat.
However in City's recent 2-1 defeat against Southampton, Beagrie was supported by the creative talents of both Robbie Blake and Lee Sharpe and the Bantams need more of the same tomorrow.
He said: "We have become famous for our 100 per cent commitment and fighting spirit which is quite right because that is one of our main strengths.
"But I believe that will not be enough on its own and that we must add more polish to our game. I felt we were unlucky against Southampton with the deflection.
"If we are to go down, and I don't think that is guaranteed yet, then we must go down fighting. We all have to accept responsibility and not take the easy option.
"Let's be bold. We need the hard graft as a platform but we also need to be positive in our outlook. One victory and defeat for either Wimbledon or Derby will change everything."
When Beagrie joined City in a £50,000 deal there were many who wondered whether injury problems would dog his time at Valley Parade.
However those fears were soon allayed with some fine football and last season he went on to enjoy the most prolific season of his career.
And this time around he has re-established himself at the top level with a string of fine displays which, Beagrie believes, proves he still has a lot to offer.
He said: "For much of my career I have believed that when I reach 35 I would have to amend my game but I don't think that is the case any more.
"I will be 35 next November but if I do change my game I think it would take away a lot of my enjoyment. When I got to the 30-year mark it dawned on me that I would have to start taking better care of myself.
"I now make a lot more sacrifices than I used to. I have more or less given up alcohol because I know it will shorten my career.
"I rarely drink even after a match and I make sure I rest up a lot. Thankfully my wife is very understanding and lets me get rest.
"That puts a lot of onus on her with regards to looking after the kids but I think it is helping my career. I re-negotiated an extra year after this summer and love it at the club.
"When I last spoke to the chairman he said we would again sit down and look at it again next Christmas.
"I actually wanted a two-year deal but he was upfront with me throughout. He said the same the previous year when I agreed an extension and was as good as his word over that.
"And because I have total faith and belief in my ability, I feel I can do enough to earn another extension."
Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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