a.stockhausen@bepp.co.uk

Keith Millen has warned Ian Holloway, to "expect no favours" when Bristol City take on Blackpool in front of the Sky TV cameras at Bloomfield Road tomorrow.

Team-mates at Brentford during the mid-1980s, the pair became firm friends and have kept in regular touch since.

But City caretaker boss Millen insists his players will be going all out to spoil Blackpool's party this weekend.

Currently sixth in the Championship table, Blackpool must beat the Robins to guarantee a place in the play-offs. Anything less will leave the way open for Swansea, who host Doncaster, to usurp them.

If Blackpool fans and Holloway are secretly hoping City treat the game as an end-of-season stroll, they are likely to be disappointed.

"It might be our last game of the season, but we owe it to the league to give it our best shot," declared Millen.

"I know Swansea will be looking to us to do them a favour, but I want us to do well for ourselves.

"I've told the players the season is not over and they know what is expected of them.

"We couldn't have asked for a better final game. There is a lot at stake, it's being shown live on TV and we have a part to play."

He added: "I know what it will mean to Ollie to lead Blackpool to the play-offs, but he should expect no favours from us. More than 1,000 supporters are making the journey from Bristol and they deserve a good performance and a result.

"There's no way we want to let them down."

Of his friendship with Holloway, Millen recalled: "We spent a season together at Brentford many years ago and became good mates. We would often travel to the ground together and sometimes shared a room on away trips.

"I know his family and Ollie and I have kept in touch ever since. Obviously we were rivals when he played for Bristol Rovers and I was with City, but we've remained good friends.

"I know what he is like and he will be really uptight before the game. I've thought about phoning him this week but, given my position, maybe that wouldn't be such a good idea."

Although Millen will be doing his utmost to throw a spanner in the works in Lancashire, he is full of admiration for the "remarkable job" Holloway has performed at Bloomfield Road this season.

"He will deserve a medal if he gets them into the play-offs," said Millen.

"Blackpool are not awash with money and Ollie has produced a very good team on a tight budget. Blackpool have been in the top half of the table all season and he has done a remarkable job."