THE backing from their passionate fans can help push Oxford United to success again this spring, manager Chris Wilder believes.

United have already seen their 100,000th home supporter pass through their turnstiles this season.

The club reached the milestone against Cheltenham Town, in their last home match, the 15th of the season.

This number was achieved two games earlier than last season.

With the second highest average attendance in npower League Two, the U’s have seen their average gate increase by more than 20 per cent since their promotion from the Blue Square Premier last May.

And fans have started up a movement entitled “Bring The Noise”, aimed at grouping singers together to create a special atmosphere at the remaining home games.

Wilder believes the supporters can play their part once more, just as they have done magnificently in the last two seasons.

Ahead of tomorrow’s game against fourth-placed Rotherham at the Kassam Stadium, he said: “We need to get off to a good start, need to make it a high tempo game, and I’m sure, if we do, the support can make a difference. I’ve always said that.

“It’s my third year going into the second part of the season with Oxford United.

“My first year was unbelievable with the support that we had.

“The second year was really good, even off the back of a poor month to six weeks. We turned it around and the support we had at the back end of the season was immense.

“And I’m sure, if we can keep in touch (with the play-offs) over the next three or four weeks, then they can make a big difference in pushing us on.”

United lie ninth, just four points off the play-off places.

“We could easily compromise and consolidate, but we are in a good position, so why don’t we go for it,” he added.

Oxford’s average gate of 7,213 also means that they are the ninth-best supported club outside of the Championship.

“This is an incredible ach-ievement from our fans,” said chairman Kelvin Thomas.

“To see 100,000 people come through the turnstiles this early in the season is something everyone can be proud of.

“The manager and players really appreciate the fantastic support both home and away and we all know how much of a difference it makes having a passionate crowd willing us on every game.”