Ryan de Havilland is not surprised that The Mem is sold out on Saturday for Bristol Rovers' West Country derby against Cheltenham Town.
The Pirates have been playing in front of packed Mem crowds during an outstanding run, which has seen them win eight of their last nine matches at home, but the weekend's match against the Robins will beat the attendance of all of the others.
Both teams have secured their safety in Sky Bet League Two, but Rovers have their eyes set on an eighth straight victory, a run that no other team in the English Football League has set this campaign.
De Havilland is not shocked by the impressive run of form or that the Rovers players will be playing in front of a full Mem.
“To be honest, I’m not surprised," he said. "Everyone who came in in January took some time to gel. There are a lot of new signings, and I think that togetherness is there.
“We all work hard for each other, and we know what we need to do to win games, and that might not look good at times, but those three points are all that matter.
"Every time you come to Rovers, it’s always a good crowd. When I’ve been here before, the opposite team has been a good crowd, and obviously, the form that we’re in, they support you through thick and thin.
"But the form that you’re in, you kind of have a bit more of a buzz, so it helps a lot, and the fans are unbelievable. Probably the best I’ve played under."
The final match at home this season might also see Manager Steve Evans leave his dugout in the closing stages and join the Gasheads in the Thatchers End. Unsurprisingly, it is not a situation De Havilland has seen before, but knows how much it will mean to the fans.
"I was a bit surprised when I heard about it, but he’s a passionate guy, and he’s a good guy," said the midfilder. "I know his intentions are pure, and he’s going into the crowd to be a part of it. He understands what it’s like to be a fan and support your club, and it means a lot for everyone in Bristol."
De Havilland was Rovers' first signing of the January transfer window, signing permanently from Peterborough United on a deal until 2028. He has started 13 times in his 17 appearances and has been delighted with his start to life in the blue-and-white quarters.
"I mean, they say obviously time flies when you’re having fun, and I’m really grateful," said De Havilland. "I feel like it was only yesterday I signed; it must have been about three months? I mean, we’ve been in great form, and it’s always fun when you win.
"Obviously, coming in in January, off the back of not really playing, it’s been half a season for me, personally, so it’s been a bit weird, but obviously, in the summer, rest and recover and get ready for another big season next season. I think based on what’s happened since everyone has come in, I have no doubt that we’ll be challenging next season.”
“I mean, I definitely think there’s more to come. I think it was difficult having a pre-season at a different club and not playing for four months or so; it’s been very difficult to really get up to speed. Different league, different tactics, different manager.
"It takes a while, and hoping next season with the pre-season and staying in the team, same manager, same club, same environment, I think it will be a really good stepping stone for me."
