Julian Rhodes cannot stop singing along to the “infectious” atmosphere at Valley Parade.

The City joint-chairman believes the buzz from the first two home games has been something special after so many seasons of disappointment.

Rhodes said: “I’ve always dreamt about fans singing non-stop and having different songs for different players – and that’s what is happening. It’s real hairs on the back of your neck stuff.

“My wife was sick of me singing all the songs when I got home. But it’s infectious. Everybody seems to be tapping their feet and clapping along – even my mum and dad joined in!

“I’m sure the players would verify the difference that an atmosphere like that can make.

“Compare the first two home games in League One with the last few when we were in this division before. It was a bad atmosphere and we were on that downward spiral – it’s now completely changed.”

City were watched by the biggest home league crowd in ten years as they beat Sheffield United last week.

That included over 2,000 supporters paying on the day, although that extra gate money was compromised by a high police bill.

But Rhodes is confident that those extra fans will be keen to return. Three of the four league games next month are at home against Brentford next week, Colchester and Shrewsbury.

He added: “We do hope that all those people will come back. Why wouldn’t you after the fans generated such a brilliant atmosphere?

“And hopefully those people will have gone home and told their friends about it and encourage them to come as well.

“I thought the noise was great against Carlisle but last Saturday was another level up on that.

“I don’t want to tempt fate and say that everything’s fitting in place at the moment.

“You’ve got to be careful or you usually get knocked down again. But it’s up to us all, including the fans, to keep playing our part.”