SEAN O'Driscoll believes the positive attitude of Nottingham Forest fans has already helped his side secure more Championship points this season.
And the Reds manager today challenged his players to ensure they maintain the backing of their supporters by demonstrating the right attitude on the pitch.
O'Driscoll highlighted the game against Birmingham as being a prime example of how fans can play a positive role, as Forest fought back from 2-0 down to claim a point amid a partisan atmosphere at the City Ground.
But he also believes it is down to the players to earn the backing from the stands.
"When we were 2-0 down against Birmingham, the crowd actually lifted the team. You do not see that too often," said O'Driscoll.
"The team responded to that.
"I said at half time against Blackburn that there were 18,000 people out there who want to see us do well.
"You can sense that. We do not want to disappointment and, if we do have to disappoint them, let's do it in a way where they can at least see that we have given it a go.
"And by that I do not mean that we have ran around and crashed into tackles.
"I am talking about being brave and doing things how we want to do them.
"We did that in the second half in that game and, if we can do that in every game, people will stick with us."
And, in the meantime, O'Driscoll also hopes fans will remain patient, as long as they can see their side are trying to do things in the right way.
"I know it is difficult for supporters, when the team is not doing well," he said.
"It is very easy to moan and groan. But, if you can bite your tongue when it comes to the moaning and groaning, until the final whistle, it really does help."
