Carlisle United hero Dean Walling has thrown his weight behind the campaign for big crowds – and urged everyone to play their part in Blues history.
Double promotion-winner Walling says a packed Brunton Park can play a huge part in helping Paul Simpson’s team over the line.
The hugely popular defender has endorsed the News & Star’s Back The Blues campaign which urges as many people in the area as possible to rally behind Simmo and his players during the run-in.
And the 1990s favourite says the impact of large attendances in United’s final five home games cannot be underestimated.
“They should be sold out,” declared Walling.
“When the place is so full, it’s like going out and feeling you’re 1-0 up already.
“It gives them you extra to win games. That momentum then builds and builds, and that’s how you get promotions.
“It’s so important that the fans are behind you.”
United yesterday announced a £10 ticket offer for the Good Friday game against Tranmere Rovers, with a 10,000+ crowd the target - an initiative named #10for10.
Their other four home matches all come against promotion rivals in Stevenage, Northampton Town, Stockport County and Salford City.
Walling was a key player in United’s memorable 1994/5 Division Three title campaign, as well as in the automatic promotion season in the same division two years later.
He was an iconic figure from a period when crowds surged behind the teams of Mick Wadsworth and Mervyn Day and also played at Wembley twice.
The 53-year-old – whose name is still sung by fans any time he returns to Brunton Park – feels Simpson deserves the same major backing.
READ MORE: Back The Blues - our rallying cry for Carlisle United crowds
“You’ve got to look at where they were this time last season. It was dire. Paul has worked miracles,” said Walling.
“I love the gaffer so much. I have so much admiration for him, and he deserves the backing for what he’s done.
“I love the Carlisle fans to bits. They’ve always been really good to me. Those two promotions there were incredible for me.
“That stadium should have 8, 9, 10,000 and more for those last five games.
“As well as the players doing their bit, the fans have got to see the players over the line as well, and be part of history.”
Walling said the remaining two months of the season give United the chance to achieve something that will stand the test of time – individually and collectively.
“A lot of these lads have not won any promotions yet. To get one under your belt is something you can treasure,” he said.
“Simmo will be doing everything to guide the young players in there, and I promise you the players will give that bit more when the stadium is full – I can tell you that from experience.
“Going back to when I played, the stadium was sold out for that run-in, and we wanted to be part of it. We were the actors on stage, living the dream.
“When you walk out for a full house – yes, there’s a feeling of now or never, and there is a bit of a pressure-cooker there, but momentum wins games, and momentum wins championships and promotions.”
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