TOWN chief executive Peter Rowe is hoping a touch of millionaire magic will help swell attendances at the County Ground.

He is urging the hard core away supporters to put on their

Chris Tarrant hats and phone a friend.

Unlike the popular television show, there is no £1 million incentive, but extra fans through the gate will play a vital role in improving the club's financial situation.

Gates have hovered around the 4,500 mark with supporters reluctant to part with their cash to see a struggling side.

With Town's success at Northampton, Mr Rowe is keen to build on the tremendous support the players received throughout the game.

"Traditionally, clubs do have a section of fans who will watch them both home and away. Our club is no different. I have to say the encouragement they gave the fans was magnificent at Northampton," said Mr Rowe.

He said the players had really appreciated the encouragement and he urged those same supporters to help generate a similar atmosphere at home games.

"If each of those fans could phone a friend and help us drag back some of the 'fair weather' support, it would make a big difference," he said.

The club has tried a variety of initiatives to encourage more supporters through the turnstiles, including the Town Ender scheme, in association with the Evening Advertiser (details on page 38), and the Kids-for-a-Quid scheme.

Town boss Andy King, a former commercial manager himself, praised the fans but is under no illusions that only one thing will entice the stay-away supporters to return in the long-term a winning team.

"The support was tremendous. They filled the away end at Northampton and you can't ask any more than that," he said.

He added that the players had kicked towards the visiting fans in the second half and that the crowd had played its part in "pulling the team home".

Nigel Bennett, of the Swindon Town Supporters Club, said: "I think it is fabulous that we have fans who follow the team through thick and thin."

He said Saturday's FA Cup match with non-League Gateshead meant Town were only one step away from a possible glamorous third round tie.

"We often hear cries of cost being the reason for people not attending, but Saturday's game is an ideal opportunity with the ticket prices being the same as the last round," he said.

A Swindon Town spokesman confirmed tickets for the Gateshead clash would be £10 for adults and £5 for concessions, with accompanied youngsters gaining entry for £1.

Further information can be obtained from the Swindon Town ticket office on (01793) 333777.