Poortvliet: We Owe Our Fans

Saints manager Jan Poortvliet insists that Tomorrow's match is the perfect chance to pay the fans back for his side`s abysmal home record this season.

Saturday's attendance has been predicted 28,000 or so and the Dutchman knows how important the match is: 'It's a big game. When you look at where we are at the moment in the table, we need a win to breed confidence and to get some extra motivation for the coming games, because there are a lot of big games coming.' Poortvliet told the official website.

This season has seen the St. Mary's crowd drop to a new low, having an average of 15, 740 - so Poortvliet understands the significance of entertaining this rare big crowd: 'We have a big crowd on Saturday,' he began. 'That's what I hear and there's nothing more special than playing for your own big crowd and proving what you can do.'

'We owe our fans something back because their support is very good,' he continued. 'They are always there and they deserve it and we need it.'

With Colin Calderwood's Forest side struggling in the relegation zone, the Saints really need to take advantage of the opportunity, but Poortvliet knows it will be a tough test: 'They have a very strong defence, they try to play, and up front they have a very quick player. I think maybe he's one of the quickest players in the league and they look okay.'

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.