Crouch calls for fans to return

3rd December 2008

Former Southampton chairman Leon Crouch has urged any boycotting fans to return and support their club to avoid more players being sold.

The club`s finance director, Dave Jones, last week admitted more players are likely to have to be sold due to the current economic climate, and Crouch insists fans must play their part to boost income from tickets instead of getting rid of players.

Crouch told The Daily Echo: "To me the club is bigger than any individual and I would ask all fans to try and put behind them their differences with the existing management and get behind the team.

"They need your support, they deserve your support, they are playing some fantastic football and it will only get better.

"We must not allow Lowe and Wilde to sell our young players in January. We need to fill the stadium, demonstrate our support and ensure that this great club survives. An average of 22,000 is possible.

"Don't allow the board to use the excuse that our young players have to be sold because we are staying away from the terraces. I know this is a very difficult time for supporters, both financially and with confidence in the club, but we must all unite and save this great club. The fans are the key to this club's future."