Martin O'Neill believes Aston Villa's fans have a
massive role to play in helping secure a Champions League spot for
the first time.
O'Neill has occasionally been taken aback by the negative
reaction of a small band of fans and Villa have won only five home
league games compared to 10 away.
TV pundit Alan Hansen asked "How fickle are the supporters?"
after Villa fans booed at the final whistle following the 2-2 home
draw with Stoke 11 days ago.
But O'Neill, whose side entertain Tottenham on Sunday, said:
"The relationship between crowd and players in this vital run-in is
of the utmost importance.
"Crowds can get agitated very quickly, although I don't think
our crowd has had too much to be agitated about this season.
"There will be twists and turns, ups and downs in games, and
it's important the crowd stays with the team throughout everything.
That's absolutely vital, it's so, so important.
"I have said many times in the past that fans who pay their
money have a right to voice their opinion but I think now, more
than ever, it is essential we have a genuine team effort.
"This is about crowd and players teaming up together. We must
work hard together to stay in that top four.
"There is a dual responsibility. The crowd has to lift the
players when things are going not so brilliantly and players have
to lift the crowd too with their performances."
