NATHANIEL Knight-Percival has embraced the new City era under Simon Grayson.

The centre half was one of Stuart McCall’s first signings at Valley Parade 18 months ago.

But he believes the squad are quickly adapting to the change at the top.

Knight-Percival said: “Having a new gaffer in is slightly different but you just have to get on with it. Things like this happen in football.

“Everyone is aware of the changes and it can take time to get used to it.

“But it’s part and parcel of the game and we’re looking to do the best we can for the new gaffer now.

“Every session has been really good since he came in. He’s been very positive towards us and making it very clear what we need to be doing as a team and individually.”

City tackle Plymouth today as they look to end a barren run of eight games without a win that has cost them a spot in the League One play-off positions.

They will be without new signing Ryan McGowan following news the defender had knee surgery on Thursday.

But coming off a free weekend, Knight-Percival can sense the mood is lifting for the remaining three months of the season.

He added: “The season is very much alive. I don’t think that feeling has ever left us.

“We’re still in and around the play-off positions and it’s just being able to push on from there.

“It was good to get a little rest because this league is tough. You don’t get much of a break in between games.

“We’ve also had that time for some full training sessions and to get an idea of how the gaffer wants us to play.

“We’ve been working hard and hopefully we can take that into match day.”

Only Wigan have beaten Plymouth in the last 14 games – a record that has seen the west country side claim 33 points from a possible 42 and shoot from bottom to seventh.

The hosts are now ahead of City on goal difference but Knight-Percival does not see recent form playing a major part in their first outing for 11 days.

“We’ll treat it like any other game,” he said. "However many you might have won or lost, I don’t think it has any effect.

“We know it will be tough but we can go there and pick up points.

“They are probably a slightly different team than when we played before but we’ll give it our best shot.

“I don’t think it makes a difference whether you’re in or just out the top six at this stage. It’s just as important to be winning games – the incentive remains the same.”