LUCA VIALLI is appealing to fans still stitting on the fence to come down to Vicarage Road and swell the ranks of the faithful as he seeks to take his team nearer the play-off places.

"Obviously, we want to get to the top of this division, and we know we are responsible and are working on it. But what disappoints me is that we are nowhere near the top of the division as far as home attendances are concerned," said the manager.

"We do not expect to rival Manchester City, who are an exception, but our attendances need to improve. The more people you have, the better the atmosphere, the more money you generate and the more you have to strengthen the team.

"I think we can improve our attendances. We want to be first in the table for attendances not just in the league table."

Vialli is looking to improve the atmosphere, particularly at the Vicarage Road end. Coach Ray Wilkins mentioned the fact on Saturday and Vialli returned to the subject this week: Watford do not seem to play so well when attacking the Vicarage Road end.

"In the first half against Barnsley," Vialli pointed out, "we attacked that end. It is nearly empty. The atmosphere is a bit dead. When we attack towards our end, the atmosphere is noisier, and it is better for the players to perform.

"We can think about some special offers to help fill the stand there. Also, perhaps, by making the supporters aware of the situation, they might make an effort to be a bit noisier even when we attack down the Vicarage Road end.

"On our part, the players should try to get the supporters going even when we attack that end."

November 9, 2001 09:30