NEW 1874 Northwich manager Damian Crossley has spelt out the importance of the fans in how the rest of the season pans out for the club.

The environment and atmosphere at the fan-run Northern Premier League West outfit was one of the attractions in Crossley applying for the position vacated by Wayne Goodison and Paul Bowyer last month.

And he is certain that 1874’s bid to climb away from the lower reaches of the division can be helped by the fans being onside.

“The fans are vital,” he said.

“Playing in front of fans galvanises players. Players want to play, it makes players want to come here, to enjoy being here.

“If we can build the fanbase and increase the number of fans that are coming in, so that we have the fans that are already here and new fans making loads of noise, the players will enjoy it, they’ll play better and we’ll all have a really great time on a Saturday afternoon.

“I’ve enjoyed coming here (in previous roles). When I’ve come here, there’s less animosity to the players when they make mistakes.

“Everyone’s dead passionate but calm and sensible with it. I like the family atmosphere, probably because it’s a fan-run club. There’s probably more of that than certain clubs you go to.”

As with any club, fans will be behind the team the most if they are enjoying what they are seeing.

“Ultimately I want people to come here and enjoy coming here,” said Crossley.

“I want people to enjoy watching the team, I want the players to enjoy training and playing, and I want the fans and the volunteers who work so hard as well as the board (of directors) to enjoy watching us play.

“I want us to play an attacking front-foot brand of football, go and score goals. And if we lose 3-2 I’d rather do that than lose 1-0. Let’s have a go and see where we can get.”

His new side won their first point in six matches at the weekend when drawing 1-1 at Hednesford Town.

Third-from-bottom 1874 host fourth-placed Stalybridge Celtic in Crossley's first home game on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.