SWINDON’S newspaper is getting behind its team to urge fans to turn out in their droves on Saturday.

Town host the MK Dons in the battle to avoid relegation as they try to capitalise on a recent upturn in form.

All week the Adver has been bringing you the rallying calls of players, fans and even the vicar in anticipation of a big turnout at the weekend.

But for some staff it’s not just business, it’s personal.

Advertising manager Darren Jackson has been watching Town play since 1986. A loyal season ticket holder, he has seen the team get promoted, relegated and everything in between.

“It’s a love for the club that keeps me going in the good times and bad,” said Darren.

“I’m just really passionate about my home town team.

“I think we can do it, I think we’re going to win. I know some fans are frustrated, but they need to come out and support the players - if we get enough people there on Saturday we’ll be like a 12th man.”

Joining Darren in his call was media sales consultant Antony Alcock.

“Having a full house at the County Ground makes a huge difference,” he said. “You see the players rise to the occasion when the fans are on side.

“In the last two weeks the boys have shown they’re really up for the fight. We’ve got a great chance of staying up but we need to be in it together.”

The Adver team were joined down at the County Ground by lifelong fan Martin Thomas. The 61-year-old from Old Town has been watching his team play since he was a young boy. He said: “I started coming here when it was two shillings and thruppence. We’d come straight from school, play football outside then go in and watch the game. I remember coming down for the West Ham game in ‘67 in the FA Cup.”

In all those years Martin has seen the ground when it is packed and when it is empty. He’s backing calls for fans to turn out in big numbers this weekend.

“I think they should,” he said. “When you’ve got a crowd getting behind the team it really lifts the players.”

 

Now it's your chance to get involved!

Saturday sees the team take on MK Dons at the County Ground. A win is crucial in the fight to avoid relegation. 

We want to give the players a huge boost on the day with a special front page but we need your help.

We’d love as many of you as possible, young and old, to join us at 4pm on Friday at the County Ground car park to be part of a huge fan photograph! 

Wear your shirts, bring your scarves and tell your friends – let’s get behind the team ahead of the big game.