ABERDEEN captain Paul Hartley last night pleaded with the dwindling Red Army to stick by the players as they bid to turn their season around.
Gates at Pittodrie have plummeted during a run of six matches without a win that has plunged the Dons into the bottom half of the SPL.
Hartley, below, said: "I know the fans are worried by recent form. We worry too because no one likes being at the bottom end of the table. We realise the next few matches could shape our season.
"We are all disappointed to be where we are in the league right now but we must keep believing we can sort it out.
"I think faith in your ability as a player and as a team is crucial. We can't be frightened of the challenges ahead. The injuries we've suffered this season have had an impact. We haven't had a settled side and that has had an effect on results.
"Some of the injured players are returning so once we are all back up to speed, I'm certain we'll start to climb the league."
Mark McGhee is backing Andrius Velicka to score the goals to bail his side out of trouble. The Dons boss will gamble by playing the on-loan striker against Hibs on Saturday even though he still isn't match fit.
McGhee said: "It may well be Andrius still isn't able to give his best against Hibs, certainly not for 90 minutes, but it's a gamble worth taking."
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/2010/10/21/aberdeen-fans-must-rally-round-behind-struggling-dons-insists-skipper-paul-hartley-86908-22648333/