SWINDON Town manager Richie Wellens has issued a rallying call to the Wiltshire public ahead of tonight’s League Two visit of Colchester United, and has stated his desire to attract 9,000 fans to a game in the not too distant future.

On Saturday, 7,055 spectators turned out to watch Town dominate Macclesfield Town at the Energy Check County Ground – with the home side winning 3-0 thanks to Eoin Doyle’s ruthless brace plus another marker for Keshi Anderson.

An honest Wellens admitted after full-time that he would’ve liked to have seen a few more Swindon fans turn out at the weekend, but at the same time, praised the noise and support levels of those who did make their way through the turnstiles.

In the long term, Wellens wants 9,000 fans through the gates at SN1. But he has set a short-term target of attracting crowds of 7,500 to the County Ground amid his side’s search for top spot in League Two.

Wellens said: “I would’ve liked a few more (supporters) on Saturday because I want to try and increase numbers.

“We’re not going to go from 7,000 to 9,000, but what we can start to do is eat into it – and get 7,500.

“Can we get to 7,500 in the next couple of home games? I think the product we are delivering on the pitch is good.

“It’s up to us to keep spreading the word around the town – around the county – that we have an exciting team to watch full of exciting players. We’ve got goals in us.”

The club has released attendance figures for all four of its opening League Two fixtures at the County Ground so far this season.

Compared to this time last year, crowds are up by more than 500 fans per game.

On average, 7,039 supporters are turning up to watch Wellens’ side – compared to last year’s opening figure of 6,459.

And Wellens insists strong numbers have a positive impact on his team’s performance.

He said: “The crowd helps anyone. If you’re a player and you walk out and the crowd is more full than empty, it helps.

“Look at our disappointing performances this year – they’ve all been for a cup match.

“Colchester away, there weren’t many there, Chelsea at home was the same – although we made a lot of changes.

“Every time we have had a good crowd, we’ve done well.

“The away support too, that has been brilliant. If the fans continue that and sell out every away trip, that would be excellent.”