The Preston-born defender spent two loan spells with the Cherries before signing for Notts County - and he knows the importance of this weekend's match.

"They will be a tough side to beat," Fenton said. "They have not had as good a start as us, but still not a bad start. I think they would be halfway up the table without the points deduction.

"It will be a tough game, but if we go down there and play like we have been doing, set our stall out like we have been doing, we should be able to get a win."

Victory for Mark Robins' on-song side would see them continue to pull away from the bottom of the table and, more importantl,y stretch the gap between themselves and their second-from-bottom opponents to a staggering 13 points.

And that's after just 10 league matches and a 17-point deduction to overcome.

"They are the nearest side behind us, 10 points. If we can make it 13 points, then hopefully we can catch Grimsby, my old club," added the former Manchester City trainee.

"Psychologically, that would be massive. To do that 10 games into the season, having had a 17-point deduction, would be fantastic."

Fenton's arrival at Don Valley Stadium has seen him play a key role in the club's amazing start to the season, one which has witnessed just one loss in 13 matches.

"We have been positive all season. We have had some really good results all season. Getting to positive points has only taken us nine games," he said.

"That's what we wanted to do as quickly as possible; we have got there. Now we need to get as high up the table as we can.

"It is possible we can make the play-offs. Leeds proved that last year with 15 points off. It is possible, but we have just got to look to catch other teams, get as far up as we can, and then re-assess where we are at Christmas."

Looking ahead to trying to catch Grimsby in the standings, the 28-year-old added: "The majority of the side at Grimsby is the same as when I was there - it's only a month and a half since I left.

"I feel a bit sorry for the lads at the minute because there are some good players there, but I've seen that Mike Newell has been appointed as manager so that might give them a bit of a boost.

"I'm more concerned with what happens at Rotherham at the moment, though.

"It's always nice to do things for the club. I did an after-school club last week and it's nice to meet the kids.

"They like to see professional players; they don't always know who you are but they just like the fact that professional footballers are
helping out and joining in."

What do you think? Post your comments below.

READ MORE

Blades Watch 08-09 - The Season So Far
Owls Watch 08-09 - The Season So Far
Watch Premiership highlights, international football, golf, tennis, darts and much more
Football headlines
More Blades
More Owls
More Spireites
More Rovers
More Reds
More Millers
More Ice Hockey
More rugby league
More rugby union
More boxing
Sports columnists
All sport categories