Jon Dahl Tomasson says his team need the support of the Rovers fans more than ever as they look to put the disappointment of deadline day behind them when they host Wigan Athletic tonight.
Rovers start a busy period of games, with seven matches in 22 days, by welcoming Latics to Ewood Park knowing a win would take them back into the play-off spots.
It was a tough week for all concerned as Rovers failed to add to their squad on deadline day, a source of frustration for Tomasson but also the club’s supporters.
But in a rallying cry ahead of the visit of Wigan, Tomasson says his side need the backing of supporters now more than ever.
“We should never be happy with average, we need to be on a higher level,” he said.
“The only thing I can say to the fans is ‘we need you more than ever’.
“Stand behind the team on Monday at Ewood, this young group needs you.
“I think the fans have an important role to play, to help this young team.
“They should be disappointed, I’m disappointed, but we need their help and we’ll try and do our best.
“We’ve been overperforming so far.
“I think they (the team) have been appreciated, that’s what I see, what I hear, I think that’s very nice.
“People should dream, but we should always be realistic.
“We have a plan and are following that plan and my thoughts are only on the players and making them better.”
Wigan won the reverse fixture 1-0 at the DW Stadium in October, but have only picked up one victory since.
Leam Richardson was placed replaced by Kolo Toure who managed only nine winless games before his departure at the end of last month.
They haven’t played since defeat to Luton Town on January 21, but have added to their squad in January, as well as unveiling Shaun Maloney as their new head coach.
It leaves something of an unknown about Wigan who arrive at Ewood bottom of the Championship.
Tomasson said: “They have brought in six new players, a new head coach.
“They can play different ways so we’ll be preparing for different things so the boys won’t be surprised.
“I think we’re looking forward to playing at Ewood and doing well for our fans.
“There were a lot of fans with us at Birmingham on a Tuesday night, extremely cold, but they enjoyed it and getting through to the next round is a big achievement for my players.”