Ian Holloway insists he will not "celebrate" if Leicester City put one over his former charges Plymouth Argyle tomorrow.
The Championship clash was already wide open to controversy following Holloway's acrimonious arrival from Home Park.
But it has been cranked up a notch with Argyle chairman Paul Stapleton hitting out at Holloway's perceived influence on transfers which have taken many good players away from the Devon club.
It has struck a wrong note with Holloway, who says he was "absolutely astonished" and has consulted his lawyers.
But if City win the televised match at the Walkers Stadium tomorrow, he will not be gloating or even showing any signs of triumph.
Still holding the Argyle fans in great esteem despite their reaction to his departure, Holloway said: "You won't see me celebrating whatever happens, because I think that would be disrespectful.
"You might see the players celebrating, but I won't be doing that like I did against Crystal Palace the other week. That meant an awful lot to me because they had been unbeaten in 15 games.
"But I planned all along that, whatever happened, I would be professional because I know I upset probably all of them, and it would be nice to sit down with them one day and tell them all the reasons.
"The genuine feelings I have for these people is still there, whatever they may think. You can't affect what people feel about you and they are entitled to free will.
"I will be happy when it is here, happy when it is done. I hope both teams play well and it is a good game, but I hope my new team plays a bit better than them and we get three points."
Some of the City fans will be wearing their "Ollie" masks in support of Holloway, as no doubt there will be plenty of abuse coming from the away supporters.
Holloway said: "Our fans are having a huge effect on the players at the moment. They are really helping, really getting behind us and understanding that they are part of this.
"I thank them for that because they are absolutely vital. When you have got 24,000 people moaning at you, it is quite a fearful place to play. But when they are moaning at the opposition, then it is quite a scary place.
"I am looking forward to every home game because I believe they are behind us. We are trying to get forward, trying to keep it on the floor, get crosses in and to entertain."
City will make at least one change from last Saturday's defeat at Blackpool, with James Chambers coming in at right-back for the suspended Richard Stearman. Newest arrival Jamie Clapham is set for his home debut, either starting for Joe Mattock or Zsolt Laczko, or coming on from the bench.
Striker DJ Campbell did well in the reserves in midweek, but Holloway may stick with Argyle old boy Barry Hayles.