Phil Brown has called for “vociferous” backing from the Barrow public to help the Bluebirds over the survival line.

The manager hopes his first home game in charge, against Port Vale this weekend, will see a big response in the stands.

The Bluebirds have eight games to secure their EFL safety and head into the weekend three points above the relegation places.

While new boss Brown says his team must do their side of the bargain, he said the importance of the supporters cannot be underestimated in AFC’s predicament.

“It’s an absolute must,” he said.

“If you feel anything for Barrow, if you support Barrow, if you want the club to stay in the EFL, I’m asking the supporters to turn up and be vocal, be vociferous, be loud, be proud – all of those things I’d love to just see on Saturday.

“And it will spill onto the pitch, I guarantee that, and the players will respond to it.”

Brown’s reign got under way with last Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Leyton Orient – whose much-changed team then lost to Oldham on Tuesday night, reducing the Bluebirds’ safety cushion.

While Barrow take on in-form Vale at Holker Street, Oldham take on Stevenage in another six-pointer which will have a big say in the shake-up at the wrong end of League Two.

Barrow have won just once in their last ten games, and Brown believes a positive afternoon against fourth-placed opponents this weekend can give them momentum which they can take into their crucial run-in against a number of other high-flying sides.

“That’s what it’s all about – it’s the main part of football and the best part when you do get it going, everybody comes in and are bouncing, they want the ball, want to express themselves,” he told The Mail.

“It doesn’t happen overnight. I thought we were decent in the first half at Orient without really being threatening, and then they produced a moment of magic, and that’s what we’re looking for.

“That goal gave Orient the lift and momentum they’ve had.

“Every point’s going to be precious. If it’s one on Saturday it’s a start, if it’s three it’s what we hope for against a Port Vale team that’s flying high.

“If we get that momentum for the following seven games I’ll be delighted.”