Bolton Wanderers forward John McAtee has called on fans to keep backing the team in their pursuit of promotion back to the Championship.
The Trotters have won five of six matches to take them up to third in League One, six points adrift of second-placed Lincoln City, ahead of Saturday’s visit to Sincil Bank.
“I just urge them to keep backing us, the more they back us the better we’re going to play,” said McAtee about the role of the club’s fans.
“Sometimes when it’s a bit tough you can really feel when they get behind us.
“I felt it a few times last season, especially the Birmingham game sticks in my mind. We were 1-0 down and they were just so good, right behind us. It really spurs us on that extra bit, and it makes it a really tough place to come as well.”
He added: “Our fans at home always come in their numbers. It’s hard not to get frustrated sometimes. We know how good we can be, sometimes this season it’s not been as good as it could be, but we’re still sitting third in the table with a real good chance.”
McAtee has made just 22 appearances this season, partly because of injuries, scoring four goals.
He admitted there were “a few conversations” in January about his future but said he was always keen to stay at Bolton.
“I love playing for this club, especially when things are going well. It was a tough period especially when I wasn’t playing and had a few injuries, but I’m just happy to be back on the pitch at the minute,” he said.
The forward said belief was growing in the side, which has a chance to cut the gap to Lincoln to three points.
“Sometimes, if you take your opportunity and things click, you just keep running with it,” he said.