"IN football, sometimes things don't go to plan, but those are the times when people need to get fully behind each other and push everyone through."
That's the call to arms from assistant boss Chris Doig as Grimsby Town announced a host of offers and initiatives to try and bring the buzz back to Blundell Park.
Disappointing home results over the festive period has seen the atmosphere within the ground flatten and the club is eager to turn that around – with the fans' help.
Town have a potentially pivotal league clash with Barnet (12.45pm) on Saturday and club bosses want to reinvigorate the home support for that clash – and the rest of the season.
To that end, the club have once again teamed up with the Telegraph to give fans three fantastic deals.
Every fan who purchases a ticket for the Pontoon stand will receive a free GTFC flag, when presenting the voucher below (while stocks last).
Stadium bosses are allowing Pontoon supporters to bring them to the clash with the Bees and every remaining home clash of the campaign.
Not only that, after listening to requests, Town have decided to open up the Osmond Stand to families, and have launched a 'family ticket' for that stand in a bid to create more atmosphere behind the goal.
With the coupon below, two adults and two children can take their seats in the stand usually reserved for away fans – who will be housed towards the covered corner – for just £20.
Finally, junior fans (Under-15) who cut out the exclusive voucher below can get into Saturday's clash with the Conference leaders for FREE when accompanied by a paying adult.
Speaking to the Telegraph, Doig appreciates that, ultimately, it is the result and performance of the team that sets the tone, but insists the fans can still play a huge part in shaping their fortunes this season.
"We are fully aware and understand that fans have a right to voice their opinions, and make comments on what they see," he told the Telegraph.
"But there is nothing better for a home player when the home fans are right behind you in a game. It's no coincidence that when we get a big crowd and they are cheering us on, the lads respond to that.
"I look back at games from last season when we had a big crowd, particularly in the cup run.
"They were right behind us in those games and gave us that full support. We seemed to respond, and got positive results and performances from that.
"We were every bit as disappointed as the fans with some of the home results and I do understand the players have a responsibility to get the fans going with their performance and the results we achieve.
"But it can also work both ways and we really are going to need the fans from now until the end of the season.
He added: "Yes, Blundell Park can be an intimidating place for teams to come, but when things aren't going to plan, it can be uneasy for home players.
"I might get a little bit of criticism for saying that, but it's not only at Grimsby where that happens – and it is only a small minority.
"But I would be lying if I said I hadn't come to Blundell Park in the past as a player and the need to turn the home crowd hadn't been mentioned beforehand.
"We can't let that be a weapon for visiting teams this season.
"When the fans are there in numbers and are cheering for the lads, Blundell Park is a difficult place to play for the opposition.
"We have got a big game against Barnet to look forward to this weekend, and I'm sure it will be a top game with lots of fans there with the help of these offers.
"Hopefully, they will get right behind us and can give the lads that boost, and in turn, we hope to give them the performance they deserve."
