SUNDERLAND chairman Niall Quinn wants the fans to continue getting behind the team as they bid to avoid the drop.

The Black Cats moved four points clear of the Premier League's bottom three following last weekend's 1-0 victory at Aston Villa. It was their first win on the road this season.

Roy Keane's men now entertain West Ham on Saturday looking to record back to back victories for the first time this season.

And - with 40,000 tickets sold for the clash - Quinn believes the home support can play a crucial role in inspiring the team to achieve that.

He told the club's official website: "We all got a boost at Villa and every point is vital now - we need the fans more than ever.

"We've got a decent home record and the fans have played a huge part.

"It's great to see them turning out in such big numbers and it's sure to give the team a boost against West Ham."