Mark Lawn today rallied fans for a Valley Parade show of force – and told the moaners not to bother.

Lawn sees City’s army of support as a vital weapon in their fight to avoid being sucked deeper into the relegation mix.

After three away defeats on the bounce, Phil Parkinson’s side are back on home turf to face Gillingham tomorrow.

With Crawley also heading north on Tuesday, City need to take full advantage of playing in their own back yard again. Joint-chairman Lawn said: “It’s time for fans to be fans. They can be the difference between winning and losing.

“The club need that support so come down and make some noise.

“Those who want to moan should stay at home. Let’s be positive and get right behind the team for these two massive games.”

Nineteenth-placed City have lost at Wimbledon, Aldershot and Crewe since beating Oxford at Valley Parade a fortnight ago. They are now only four points above the drop zone.

But Lawn feels it is no time for anyone to feel sorry for themselves.

He added: “We all knew those three away games were going to be very tough. For different reasons the results conspired to work against us.

“But we have to move on and forget about what has happened. It’s no used crying over spilt milk.

“Those games have gone and now we need everyone behind us for these two home games so we can get some points.

“We’re on 39 and 50 will be enough for safety. Julian (Rhodes) thinks 47 or 48 will do but let’s just get past that 50 mark and then we can all stop worrying and start thinking about next season.

“The situation is difficult and it needs some cool and calm heads on the pitch. But the loud support of the fans can be such a help.

“It’s a long way for Gillingham to travel so they won’t be bringing a lot of fans up. And it will be the same with Crawley on Tuesday night.

“Having that advantage of the big crowd behind us can really count.”

Rotherham were the last visiting side to win at Valley Parade four months ago, the week before City scrapped out a 0-0 draw at Gillingham.

Lawn said: “We are unbeaten at home since November so that’s a big positive.

“And we will be more positive if we get all the fans in here singing and shouting. We need to get them down in numbers.

“Imagine 17,000 here all roaring us on. Let’s make this place intimidating for teams to come.

“The club has done it for the fans with the special offers and letting them come in for £1. Now it’s time for our supporters to do their bit.”