WILL Hatfield has told Accrington Stanley supporters not to underestimate the impact of fan power as the Reds build up to a new season.

The 21-year-old said numbers and noise from the terraces played a part in keeping the club in League Two in a dramatic end to the 2012/13 campaign.

Stanley boasted a bumper crowd of 3,642 for their opening home friendly, and new manager James Beattie’s first home game in charge, against his old club Everton last week.

That attendance was tempered distinctly at the weekend, with only 425 coming through the gates to watch the Reds take on Tranmere Rovers.

Such a low figure has led Accrington reviewing their pricing structure for tonight’s visit of Oldham Athletic, with prices reduced from £12 for adults to £5 across the board throughout the ground, barring under 12s who, if accompanied by an adult, will pay just £1.

Hatfield hopes the discount brings a boost to numbers not just tomorrow, but when the season proper begins.

“The more support we get for the club it’s better for everyone,” said the attacking midfielder.

“Obviously it is for us as players anyway because it gives us that real buzz when we walk onto the pitch on a Saturday or a Tuesday night if there’s a big crowd. The support was really good towards the end of last season and I think we got the points on the board that we needed.

“When you can hear the crowd getting behind you it’s fantastic, and we can repay them by scoring goals and winning games.”

Hatfield hopes to be among the goals more this season, having already got his eye in during the 4-2 win at Nelson in their opening friendly.

With just three pre-season games to go, including tonight’s against League One opposition, the former Leeds youngster is ready to seize every opportunity to work his way into Beattie’s first team, following the striker’s transition from player to manager.

“It was strange at first but we’re getting used to it now,” he said. “It’s been very smooth. He’s taken it in his stride and he’s very much the same.

“He commanded that respect as a player anyway. But as the gaffer you give him a lot more respect.

“He hasn’t demanded to be called gaffer but I think everybody’s giving him that respect in calling him that.

“He has that respect around the club.

Hatfield added that their summer schedule - which included a training camp in Portugal – has been well structured. Pre-season has been very good,” he said.

“There’s been a lot of football in training. We’ve been doing the running as well but there’s been a lot of football, which is good.

“The games have been coming thick and fast.

“Everyone’s enjoying pre-season with so far, and when the season starts hopefully I’ll get the nod and impress and do well.”