Roberto Martinez believes fans should back his side starting tonight at the Liberty

Martinez was disappointed with the size of crowd that turned out for the Swans last home outing - a 2-1 victory over Oldham ten days ago that saw his side retain their healthy lead at the top of the table.  And with fifth  placed Walsall next up for the Swans, the Spaniard is hoping that it will be time for the fans to start voting with their feet and getting behind the team on the way to the Championship.

The Swans have an average league attendance of 12,825 this season which includes an average away support of 406 but those at the Liberty Stadium are hopeful that the average could be extended as high as 14,000 before the season is out - a challenge that would mean an average of over 16,200 between now and the end of the season.

But working one game at a time, Roberto was hopeful that the fans would turn out early doors from here on in "You hope when you get down to the last eight home (league) games of the season that we will show our best face as a football club," he told the Evening Post.

"Look at the effort that's gone in this season, the results the boys have achieved and the football they have played.

"Everyone related to Swansea City should be proud of the team and the fans should be that extra player for us now.

"Every game from now on in is going to be vital if we're going to fulfil our dream, and this is the time for everyone to make sure they do their bit to help.

"I know the way we've got through difficult times in the past," he added.

"We've come out together, with that feeling of a family club but a big family club.

"Now we're sitting in a good position in the table and playing good football, we should celebrate by turning out in numbers.

"This is a vital period where the players should feel the warmth of the fans because that can have a big effect.

"We know the 12,000 fans who have been coming every week are very genuine and very supportive. They have been the difference sometimes.

"But we also know we can have a full house and the sort of atmosphere we had against Leeds."

Photo: Action Images

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