LET'S GO GET 'EM!

Defender calls on Latics’ ‘magnificent’ fans to help secure victory

Emmerson Boyce has issued a rally cry to all Latics fans in an effort to propel the side up the table and away from danger.

The defender, who made an impressive return to action against Hull City last week, knows the importance of Saturday’s home game against Fulham and has urged fans to pack the DW Stadium in support of the side.

“The fans have been excellent as always and they show magnificent support every week,” said Boyce, “but it would be even better if we could get more fans coming to cheer the lads on which could hopefully push us on up the table.”

The visit of Fulham is a crucial game and is all the more important due to their close proximity in the table: “They’re a very good team and have always been very organised,” he said, “they can beat anyone on their day.

“It will be a tough game for us but hopefully we can get the three points, which would move above them in the table.”

With just four points separating Latics in 19^th and Everton who lie 12^th, Boyce knows the importance of every point and says: “It’s so tight at the moment that after we beat wolves we were looking at teams above us, but then after losing we were back in the bottom three.

“It’s going to one of those seasons where a win gets you out of the drop zone but a loss puts you back in it.

“The good thing is there are a lot of teams still closely bunched together at the bottom and if we beat Fulham then that brings them back into it. Everyone is capable of beating each other.”

The return to fitness of Boyce is a timely boost for the gaffer and the heis delighted to be back after a long layoff: “It was frustrating to watch from the sidelines and I just wanted to get back playing,” he said, “but getting through the Hull game was very important and I only had a bit of soreness because I’ve been out for so long .

“ I was happy to be back out there  and I’ve been back training this week getting ready for Saturday” said Boyce before adding, “it’s up to the gaffer now but hopefully I’ll get selected for the game.”

With the return to fitness of James McCarthy, Victor Moses and Franco Di Santo also on the horizon, Boyce says the competition for places is great for the club: “The gaffer wants competition for all places and we know we have to perform to keep our places in the team.

“It can only benefit the club and will help us as we try and push on up the table.”

Latics’ fans will hope this can start on Saturday against Fulham.