KEVIN Bond has called on Cherries fans to spur the side to League One safety.

The Cherries boss believes the fervent support from the Dean Court crowd played a huge role in the victory over Millwall last weekend and is hoping for more of the same for the remainder of the campaign - starting with Saturday's home clash with Tranmere Rovers.

Bond told the Daily Echo: "I must say our home supporters really got behind the side from the first whistle and it made a massive difference against Millwall.

"They were really vocal and positive. We need to give them a performance full of energy, enthusiasm because I know they will respond to that and give us that backing we need.

"In the situation we're in, the fans have a huge part to play and can make a big difference."

Bond, who has had spells on the coaching staff at Portsmouth and Newcastle - two of the more fanatical sets of supporters in the country - believes Cherries fans are every bit as passionate.

He said: "I've been at Portsmouth and Newcastle, but we have our passionate supporters just like those - but maybe not so many of them.

"The people who follow us week in, week out home and away are every bit as passionate as them.

"It costs a lot of money and I am fully aware of some of the sacrifices that people have to make to travel up and down the country.

"But we honestly appreciate what our fans do for us."

He added: "Our home fans have been great but the fans who travel away with us have been absolutely fantastic.

"When you go up to places like Blackpool on a freezing Tuesday night, we really appreciate it and are very grateful when we see our supporters up there with us."