Mark McGhee says he has to ensure Bristol Rovers aren't distracted by their unusual surroundings when they make their first competitive visit to Sheffield's Don Valley Stadium for tomorrow's clash with Rotherham United.
The Millers are using the athletics stadium – which was built for the World Student games in 1991 – as their home ground while they wait for a new stadium back in Rotherham to be finished.
In some ways, the venue is similar to the Withdean Stadium, which Brighton used before moving into their new ground at the start of this season.
And with McGhee having managed the Seagulls during their spell at the Withdean, he knows how important it is for the players to focus purely on events on the pitch.
"I'll be right at home – especially if it rains!" said McGhee.
"We had some fantastic days at the Withdean – but once you go over that white line, you have to forget about your surroundings. The dressing rooms and the look of the place can undermine your approach to the game and we have to be vary careful with our players that we don't allow any of that to be a distraction – or an excuse for not playing well.
"Once you step over that white line, the pitch is the same."
McGhee watched Rotherham fight out a 0-0 draw at Gillingham on Tuesday night and knows Rovers will be in for a tough test.
"They are very organised and a big, strong aggressive team with pace in wide areas and up front," he said.
McGhee has hinted that he will again make changes to the starting line-up as he continues to look at different members of the squad.
Winger Mustapha Carayol could be in line for a start and leading scorer Matt Harrold should be available after missing last weekend's game with a hamstring problem.
"Matt has trained this week and will come into the equation," said McGhee.
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