Ian Evatt is relishing the prospect of another huge crowd and is backing his players to rise to the occasion as they launch their home League One campaign, writes Pete Oliver.
Wanderers face Wrexham at the Toughsheet Community Stadium on Sunday afternoon as they look to make it back-to-back league wins to the start the season – either side of progress in the Carabao Cup on penalties.
Wrexham also marked their return to the third tier after back-to-back promotions with victory on the opening weekend before they lost their mid-week cup tie.
The Welsh club has become box office since being bought by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney and raising their fan base and home abroad.
And with the Wanderers’ fans also out in force, Sunday’s attendance could reach the Whites’ post-Premier League record gate of 25,738 with Evatt full of praise for the backing his side will get.
“It's great to have so many fans here – (possibly) the biggest crowd since the Premier League days I believe. That's exciting for everybody and fingers crossed we can put it all together and play well,” said the Wanderers’ boss.
“Let’s really back the players and hopefully we can perform to our level and get three points. We remember the second leg of the play-offs against Barnsley and the atmosphere we created that day was incredible. So more of the same really.
“The fans have really supported us since I've been here, really. It's been a very good journey so far. We didn't end well last season but to come back in the numbers they are doing at Leyton Orient and then for Sunday to have so many people here is great and very special for us.”
Last season’s play-off semi-final second leg attracted a crowd of 24,518 as the Wanderers’ fans helped their side over the line and get to Wembley where the promotion dream ended.
That attendance has been bettered twice since Evatt started leading the way back from League Two with 25,428 at the Toughsheet for a Christmas game against Derby County two seasons ago and then the post-Premier League best of 25,738 for the visit of Portsmouth in April – both games ending in draws.
The highest figure will be under threat for the visit of Wrexham when Wanderers’ new-look squad will be aiming to build on a positive first week.
“We've tried to add recruits in the off-season with characteristics that will embrace the big stage and embrace the big game and fingers crossed we can show that on Sunday,” added Evatt, who has signed eight new players this summer.
“Football is always subjective and people have formed their own opinions on whether we've done it in the big games or not. The only way you can change that is by doing it in the big games and getting results and I know this group and myself are very determined to make that happen, so hopefully we can start with that on Sunday.
“The players have really embraced the slight tactical change and are really looking forward to the game on Sunday. Thanks for backing us and hopefully we can give you a lot to cheer.”
Watch the manager’s full pre-match interview and a chat with summer signing Szabolcs Schön ahead of his likely home debut on Wanderers TV HERE