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Whether we stay up or not, I think there is one positive we can take from the closing stages of this season, something positive to build on next year, whether we're playing Chelsea or Cardiff; Liverpool or Leicester.

The atmosphere at The Riverside has noticeably improved recently, with noise and colour coming from all corners of the ground. Of course, the relegation battle has concentrated people's minds: it makes a crucial difference when players and fans

alike know that every game is critical. But football grounds are always better places for a bit of tension and we've had plenty of that so far in 2008/09.

There will be lots of opportunities for practicing mental arithmetic and plenty of agonising between now and May 24th but I think the majority of the Boro support can look back on this season and feel satisfied that we have remained loyal to the cause and backed the team to the hilt.

The Boro faithful have remained patient with Gareth Southgate long after fans of other clubs would have revolted and demanded his head. I think our fanbase respect Southgate as an individual and also acknowledge his guaranteed status as a Boro legend. As he has said himself, the time for an inquest is at the end of the season, for now we need to concentrate all our energies on doing everything we can to stay up.

A number of factors have contributed to the improvement in atmosphere. Firstly, it must be noted that Sue Watson's letter to fans in Block 53A, similar in tone to previous telling offs dished out to fans at the back of the North stand, actually reminded some fans that they were entitled to make some noise at the game! The FA Cup replay against West Ham, despite having a low attendance due to ridiculous TV kick off time of 20:10, was a fantastic night. Everyone there that night was defiant and carried the team over the line after two early goals lifted everyone's mood.

The feel good factor extended into the league game against Liverpool and at that point more and more fans started to believe that we could avoid the drop.

We've taking a few nosedives on the pitch since but the Club should be congratulated for the £10 ticket initiatives which have filled row upon row of previously empty seats. The Riverside is a great place when it has 30,000 plus inside. Psychologically, I know it makes all the difference to me when all four sides of the ground are full. It gives off a big game feel, I immediately feel up for it, and it must be the same for the players.

There are two home games left and with the relegation battle likely to go right to the wire, both will be tense and the fans will again have a part to play. In Block 17 recently there have been more fans prepared to play their part in getting an atmosphere going.

Getting up and starting a song can be daunting for some. It's certainly easier to sit on your hands and moan about the game. That may seem strange but we need more likely lads and lasses who want to have a good time and get behind their team. We'll all enjoy ourselves then, whatever division we're in.

Andrew Glover