PAUL Barnes has no fears about the fans as Burnley return to Turf Moor on Saturday for the first time since the war of words which followed the game against Northampton.

A torrent of criticism was poured on Barnes's striking partner Lee Howey that afternoon.

And emotions ran high afterwards as player-manager Chris Waddle made his feelings about the supporters' treatment of players crystal clear.

The debate has continued but Barnes believes everyone needs to work together at Turf Moor to turn the club's season around - and a win against Wigan Athletic on Saturday would help.

"I think the fans appreciate hard work and I think they realise the team are trying," he said.

"It's not only the supporters who are disappointed when we don't win.

"In fact there's no-one more disappointed than the players and management when that happens.

"It's a case of us all pulling together and I am sure the fans will be right behind us on Saturday."

Burnley haven't played badly in the last two games. After beating Northampton, one of the promotion contenders, they played well against another top team in Bristol City and were unlucky to lose.

The victory over Northampton in the last home match ended a run of three successive defeats, including the Turf Moor rout by Rotherham in the FA Cup.

And it was a win that was desperately needed. Coming against one of the top teams made it all the more satisfying. "Yes, definitely," said Barnes. "It was a nice result for us. The way we performed in the first half without getting the goals and then to go one down would have seen a lot of sides wilt. "But we came back and the crowd appreciated that."

Wigan are only just above Burnley in the Second Division table, which gives even greater emphasis to Saturday's derby clash.

But Burnley are looking for more consistency in the longer term. "We need to put a run together where we aren't losing games," said Barnes. "We think we are a good team and the first half at Bristol City was probably the best we have played all season.

"It's the consistency that we want at the moment, putting six or seven games together without losing."

Former Turf Moor number two John Ward, now in charge of Bristol City, has put his top scorer Shaun Goater on the transfer list after he rejected a new contract.

The 27-year-old striker, who scored 25 goals last season and has already netted 13 in 18 full games this term, wants to play in the Premiership and City fear losing him for nothing when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Chairman Scott Davidson said: "The situation is forced upon us by the Bosman ruling. I know it will come as a shock to our fans, but I ask them to consider what alternative there is."

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