PETER JACKSON today paid tribute to Town's fans and urged them to return in numbers for tomorrow night's Carling Cup clash with Derby at the McAlpine (7.45).
A crowd of 10,319 turned up for the 2-2 draw against Cambridge which marked the manager's homecoming and he's hoping many will be back for the first-round tie against George Burley's First Division side.
Town's was the fifth highest attendance of the day in the bottom two divisions and Jackson, who received a rapturous reception, is keen to head to Boston on Saturday with a Cup scalp under his belt.
"The fans were just unbelievable on Saturday - it's just about the best atmosphere I can remember at the McAlpine - and that's what we need all through the season," he said today.
"It was bitterly disappointing not to hang on for the win which we all desperately wanted, but we've now got a very big Cup-tie to look forward to and we need the fans right behind us again.
"I think they appreciated that while we didn't play the best on Saturday, the players were giving everything for the shirt and no-one can ask more than that.
"Myself and the team got a fantastic reception at the start of a new era for the club, something I will never forget, and the fans were outstanding - but we need them there in numbers again tomorrow night. The Carling Cup is a financial lifeline which we want to grab with a good run, so we need to start well against Derby, chalk that win we want and progress from there."
Coventry boss Gary McAllister has given permission for Lee Fowler to play tomorrow - Derby had both Gianfranco Labarthe and Lee Morris in the squad for the 3-0 home mauling by Stoke - although the Wales Under 21 cap is under treatment for the hip injury which forced him off shortly before Dave Kitson grabbed Cambridge's 89th-minute equaliser on Saturday.
Efe Sodje could be in contention after Town conceded from free-kicks and Jackson added: "I was delighted with the attitude of the lads, but to throw away two points like that through sloppy play was bitterly disappointing for everyone.
"We have been together only a few weeks, though, and it will take time, but the spirit is wonderful and we are going to be very positive against Derby tomorrow night."
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