United we stand! The Gold Coast fans celebrate a famous victory over rivals Brisbane Roar

Gold Coast United / Scott Powick © Gold Coast United 2009

MICHAEL Thwaite has called on football fans across the Gold Coast and the surrounding regions to come along to Skilled Park this Saturday night and add to the unique atmosphere generated by United’s band of travelling supporters in last week’s 3-1 win over Brisbane Roar.

Last week’s travelling contingent at Suncorp Stadium cheered, sang and revelled from the first minute to the last as they got behind their team and helped to sweep United to a famous victory.

At the end of the game Thwaite could be seen hurtling towards the Gold Coast fans to join in the post-match celebrations and was soon swamped by the jubilant crowd.

“I always like to get involved with the fans and they had given us such vocal support during the game I wanted to thank them,” Thwaite said.

“It was brilliant to hear them out-chanting the Roar fans even though they were outnumbered and that’s a great sign for the potential atmosphere at Skilled Park. They really made themselves heard which is what you want from your fans.

“We’re a new club and we need as much support as we can get, at home and away, because it makes such a difference to the players.

“The noise last week when we scored was fantastic and we want more of that. We’ll do our best to provide the action they want to see and give them plenty to cheer about.

“Our supporters set a high benchmark last weekend so we’re hoping they can out-do themselves this week and be even more vocal.

“It can give us such an advantage over the opposition and Skilled Park is perfectly designed to host a fantastic atmosphere, which after all is what makes football different from the other codes.”

With United poised to make their home debut in the Hyundai A-League this Saturday when they face Robbie Fowler’s North Queensland Fury (5.30pm kick off), Thwaite had this message for the supporters.

“The fans can make such an impact and they are so important to a football club. This is the first time the Gold Coast has had a professional football team and the first time the Hyundai A-League has been played at Skilled Park – it’s an historical moment so come along and get involved.

“We are confident of having a successful season and we want as many people as possible to enjoy this journey with us,” he said.