Tim Sherwood insists he has no interest in the weekly machinations of the basement battle - as he eyes the points required to move up the Barclays Premier League table and away from trouble.
While pundits and fans alike concentrate on every relegation clash with keen do-or-die interest and how it affects their team, Sherwood says he only has eyes for claret and blue matters.
The upbeat boss is happy that destiny is in the team's hands and he wants the issue sorted sooner rather than later. He is in buoyant mood and confident his players can do the business - if they keep up their excellent levels of performance, demonstrated in fine displays against Tottenham, Liverpool and Man City.
He said: "I have no interest in other results - no interest whatsoever. It's all in our own hands. If we do our job, we will be safe. We cannot rely on anyone else. Whatever we need, it's in our hands. I am not looking elsewhere for any favours.
To be fair, other teams must have done well for us to still be in the situation we are in because we have picked up - and our performances have been very encouraging. I am just confident that we have it in our hands to do. If we continue with our level of performance we will be fine.
I didn't think it was going to be a walk in the park. I thought it was going to be tough. But I am relishing the challenge. I am up for the fight. Let's get going."
Sherwood knows all about the excitement in B6 surrounding the FA Cup final against Arsenal - but he also knows the supporters will concentrate their attentions - much like the team - on the vital top-flight run-in to come.
He added: "We need them. We have three games at home and they are going to be very, very important. The fans are fantastic. They have been great to all of the players and to me since I have come in here. We thank them greatly for that.
But we need a big push from them. We need them to help us over the line. We aren't going to do it without them.
We feel confident enough that we can get the points needed to stay in the division. Then we can worry about the FA Cup.
Of course, we are going to treat that with the utmost respect. We have come this far. We want to win it. But it's on the backburner at the moment because Premier League survival is paramount. If we continue the level of performance and get a bit of luck I think we will be okay."
