MANAGING director Mick Donovan believes Worcester Wolves are building a strong relationship with their fans.

Since moving to the University Arena in 2013, Wolves have consistently pulled in crowds of more than 1,000.

On the back of that, they have gone from perennial also-rans in the British League to Trophy winners and play-off champions.

Donovan reckons that success is not only down to player ability but the atmosphere generated by the spectators.

He cites the 99-91 win over league leaders Newcastle Eagles earlier this month as the perfect example as the team galvanised amid deafening support from the sidelines.

Wolves also host Sheffield Sharks tonight (7.30pm) in the first of three Friday night home matches in a row.

Donovan said: “Newcastle hadn’t lost this season and we had to win to keep the title race alive and the fans really got behind the team.

“The side were feeding off the supporters and when they needed a bit more of a push, even if they went behind, the fans got behind them again and they responded.

“When you’ve got that many people who really care about the sport in a city like Worcester it was a key factor.

“I know it’s an old cliche that the fans are the sixth man but it’s no coincidence that we play well when the fans have got excited and made a noise.

“The fans were also responding to the fact that the team were giving them something to shout about by showing that commitment and playing exciting basketball.”

He continued: “If you get that balance right in any sport, suddenly you are a force to be reckoned with.

“Some clubs might have slightly bigger budgets than us but if we can create that chemistry in our arena then we’re going to win a lot more games than we lose.

“If you’re winning people are also more likely to follow but I actually believe winning’s not enough.

“I think you’ve got to win and be playing well to get people to come along and give up their time to watch and support.

“I think if we can duplicate what we had on Friday, we’ll be having sold-out signs.”

Donovan is also enthused by the wide range of people who come to watch at the Hylton Road venue.

As well as basketball aficionados, families and school parties fill the seats, while the club also work with people with learning disabilities, dementia sufferers and young offenders.

“The increase in the last two years has been phenomenal. We’ve gone from being a minority sport in Worcester to one of the main events,” he said.

“If we can create Friday’s atmosphere every time we’ve got a game I think it’s going to be one of the places to go, not just to watch sport but also to have a great time as a family and be entertained.”