WE take to the County Ground for the first time this season today and the value of a home crowd can never be underestimated.

It always gives you that bit more of a buzz than what is does away from home. When you have got that home support cheering you on, it makes a big difference.

When it’s not going well and you need something to inject into the game, it’s a really special feeling when the fans get behind you.

We had great support up at Carlisle last weekend and there were a lot of Swindon fans there despite the long journey, so all the guys are really looking forward to making their home debuts today.

No matter what club I have been at, I have always loved playing at home. When you play at your home ground, you know everything and you feel comfortable.

We’ve already had one game at the County Ground during pre-season when we played a behind-closed-doors game against Oldham, so we’ve got a feel for the changing rooms already.

We had our places and I am not sure if they are going to be permanent but I was happy with my seat.

I’m quite a superstitious person so if I’m sat in a seat and I play well, then that’s my seat and no one can take it off me, otherwise I feel like I won’t play well.

The changing room at the County Ground is probably one of the best I have been in. You get your own locker and a lot of space compared to normal dressing rooms you go to at this level.

Accrington Stanley, for example, is like a shed – you’re literally sat on each other’s laps.

Obviously this won’t be my first game at the County Ground as I played here when I was at Exeter and a few times for Stevenage as well.

I remember, in either my first or second season with Exeter, we went to the County Ground and I think I scored to make it 1-0 but the crowd got behind Swindon and, in the second half, they really rallied together and I think they won 2-1 in the end.

When the fans are cheering, it’s wonderful but you have to take the rough with the smooth as well.

They pay their money and they are allowed to say what they want if a game isn’t going so well.

It’s up to us as players to deal with that.

We’re in a sport where we are being judged all the time, whether it’s on the pitch or off the pitch and we have to come to terms with that.

I’m now in my eighth season and I have been called every name under the sun.

Obviously it bothers you, but you’ve got to let it go.

When the fans are behind you, it’s the best feeling ever.

When you can hear them shouting your name, it’s brilliant.