WITH the County Ground set to stage the homecoming of Martin Ling tomorrow the visit of Scunthorpe has become a far bigger game than when the fixtures computer first dreamed it up.

Last Saturday at Rochdale had the feel of a dry run. Ling was technically in the hot seat, but he was quite happy to ride shotgun. Luke Williams was in charge of picking the team and Ling spent the first half in the dugout.

Town’s FA Cup run was not expected to last into the New Year and there were few surprised or overly angered by their elimination. In many respects, it was the ideal way for the new manager to ease himself into the job.

A chance to assess his players without precious points being in jeopardy.

However, now the real business starts. Ling’s new ship is on a dangerous course, but it is not yet catastrophic. How he begins life at the helm will be crucial in steering it to the safety of port.

Ling, Williams and new man Ross Embleton have now had a good week’s preparation for this home game and the visit of the Iron is an opportunity to lay down a marker.

As such, the team will need the fans on board. Hopefully the chance to see one of the club’s heroes will provide a natural enthusiasm amongst the support and swell the crowd.

Whatever numbers are at the County Ground tomorrow, there needs to be a positive outpouring.

SN1 can be quick to turn when things are not going their side’s way. Against Scunthorpe they must remain positive. A new manager bounce can only last as long as the fans remain enthused, or else an early-season blip becomes a relegation-threatening malaise.

As has been seen from across football since Ling’s appointment, he has the support of peers. They believe in him and so should the Town fans.

He is a different kind of manager to Mark Cooper and perhaps one that can be more of a unifying force, but that is a two-way street.

The Advertiser is certainly backing Ling to kick-off his reign at the County Ground with a much-needed win. It’s up to the supporters to enforce that positive message.