Kilwinning Rangers boss Chris Strain reckons a restored bond between players and fans can push his team to greater heights this season.
The Buffs boss was quick to credit a large travelling support after his side’s superb 2-1 win at the home of derby rivals Irvine Meadow on Saturday.
Now he’s hoping they continue to back his new-look side in numbers as they attempt to build on an unbeaten start to the season.
Strain said: “This is a totally different team with a totally different mindset.
“Their attitude, workrate and desire to help each other is brilliant.
“I think the fans appreciate that. You saw the punters driving the team on in the last 10 minutes when they were a bit tired.
“The players and the supporters have got an affinity with each other and we want to see that at home next week against Benburb. It would be great to see as big a turnout and hopefully they can drive us on to another victory.”
Strain insisted he “couldn’t be any happier” after goals from Dean Agnew and Carlo Monti saw off Meadow who netted a late consolation through Adam Forsyth.
He added: “I thought we were excellent defensively. We worked so hard.
“It was our third game in a week and we juggled people to freshen up where we could. It would be unfair to single anyone out because we were outstanding as a group, well worthy of our win.”
Strain admitted he’s also delighted with the physical shape his side find themselves in so early in the season.
“The boys are in charge of their own fitness and that’s the thing that pleases me,” he added.
“I’m not having to ask them to do extra,they’re fit on their own accord.”
