ALEX McLeish still has his “best season as a manager” in his sights despite Blues’ recent dip – and has called upon the fans to drive his players on towards the late rally they need to secure their Premier League status.

“Your Club Needs You” was the message from St Andrew’s today as Blues seek to bump up the crowd and the atmosphere for the visit of Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.

With nine games left, including five tough away fixtures, McLeish’s men desperately need to plunder some serious points on their own patch. Four wins at home to Bolton, Sunderland, Wolves and Fulham would just about mean ‘job done’ but a slip-up against Owen Coyle’s men on Saturday would crank the pressure right up.

It is a game of huge significance but Blues want the atmosphere to be a carnival rather than one of tension. They want to see a sea of flags, scarves, blue wigs and painted faces and will be handing out spot-prizes (including free tickets to a forthcoming game) for supporters who most impress mascot Beau Brummie.

The call for positivity and passion has a deadly serious motive – helping Blues seize three points towards safeguarding their top-flight status. That’s why McLeish wants the supporters at their noisiest on Saturday.