M.E.N. Sport's rugby league reporter Neil Barker has been speaking to Salford Reds football director Steve Simms ahead of tonight's crunch clash with relegation rivals Hull KR.

Why are Salford at the foot of the Super League table?

Simms: A number of reasons. Maybe there was a hangover from last season, when we reached the play-offs. We started the season with a lot of injuries, and suffered a few narrow defeats, which hits confidence.

Where will tonight's game be won and lost?

Simms: It's going to be tough and there will be a few nerves, but whoever makes the fewest mistakes should win.

The key factor is staying focused and whoever holds their composure should have the points in the bag.

Do you rate Hull KR?

Simms: You have to give credit where it is due and they've won at Wigan twice and they are a handy side.

They've proved a few people wrong and they also won in France.

What key factor is needed to secure a Salford victory?

Simms: It's got to be a team effort. When all our 17 perform to the best of their ability we have shown we can beat anyone. We must do this tonight.

An individual may score the winning try but don't forget it will be the team who have got him into this position.

What has coach Shaun McRae been stressing in the build up to the game?

Simms: He's been saying it is just another game. It's not do or die, because it's not the final fixture.

If players get too excited, they don't do the things they normally do. It's been Shaun's job to keep them calm and to make sure they focus on the game.

Do the Salford fans have a key role to play tonight?

Simms: They have a massive role to play.

Our fans are fantastic; they help lift the team and I know we can count on first-class support tonight. It will be needed and it's something the boys appreciate.

Will home advantage have a bearing on the game?

Simms: Put it this way, a player would be sooner playing at home than anywhere else.

Your own environment means you are more relaxed and we clearly welcome taking on Rovers in such an important game at our place.

Salford were superb when they beat Bradford two weeks ago. Can they turn in another performance like that?

Simms: I'd like to think so, because we have the ability to.

We can't afford to start slowly and we must not miss too many one-on-one tackles. If everyone performs we can beat anyone.

What's the mood in the camp like ahead of the game?

Simms: Good; very good, in fact. We're looking forward to the match.

It is the coach's job to keep everyone upbeat, that's what Shaun has done. We've trained well, the preparation has been thorough and we are ready.

Relegation would be a major blow for Salford, wouldn't it?

Simms: Relegation for any club is a major blow.

It has major financial implications. But it's something you don't want to contemplate.

It's not something we are talking about, because there is still time to get out of the position we are in.

So will Salford stay up?

Simms: I'm confident we can and I've said this all along. I feel we will beat Rovers and then they will be in a must-win situation. If we do win tonight, then we will look to kick on and then it will be Rovers twitching. But there is still a long way to go.

Will tonight's game decide who stays up?

Simms: Not at all. Whoever wins will gain a timely boost, but when you look at the fixtures ahead, both clubs will see games they can win. For instance, we will be playing St Helens the week before they go to Wembley for the Challenge Cup final, and we also have a good record against Warrington.

If Shaun McRae keeps Salford up, it would rank among his finest achievements, wouldn't it?

Simms: Most definitely. Shaun had taken over a tough job and shown great character. The players are now starting to grasp his coaching philosophies. I have total confidence in him to be the man who brings success to Salford in the long term. He is a top-class coach who has so much to offer this club.

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