Alan Hardy (pictured) said: "It's been a terrific start to the season - much better than we could have wished for when we saw the opening fixtures. With the performances they have given and the results we've earned so far, the lads deserve as much support as we can possibly get into Boundary Park. Our fans are our biggest selling tool locally and can have a big impact on attendances. Please tell your family and friends how good things have been at Boundary Park recently and get them behind the lads this Saturday.
Latics captain sean Gregan is 100% behind the plea and told the official website, "The way the credit crunch is going it's a lot of money for the fans. We understand that. Everything is so expensive these days and our last home game was a week before pay day, but it does help the players to have a good crowd in. You notice when you are on the pitch, so hopefully the numbers will increase if we keep winning a few games. And as a team we aren't just playing the percentages - I think it's decent football and hopefully we are quite good to watch."
Mr. Hardy added, "Obviously the league is very important, but there's nothing like a cup run to excite fans and increase revenue. No disrespect to Morecambe, but I felt our squad was big enough and strong enough to progress in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy this season. The JPT gives League One and Two clubs a real chance of playing at Wembley, and last year the fans of MK Dons and Grimsby enjoyed their day in the final. Those two clubs picked up around £500,000 for their appearance, so it was disappointing to go out."