MANAGER Eddie Howe said Cherries needed the home crowd to “create an atmosphere” against Watford on Sunday (2pm) and added: “We have to show how much this game means to us.”

The Dorset club slipped into the Premier League bottom three after a humbling 4-0 defeat to West Ham on New Year’s Day.

They host a Hornets outfit who are directly below them in the table – but have won three of their past four league games.

“Without a doubt this is a massive game for us,” said the Cherries boss.

“The players know that, we know that, I’m sure the crowd know how much we are going to need them this weekend – how much we are going to need to create an atmosphere to show the importance of the match.

“We’ve got a key run coming up against teams in and around us. That’s going to make the difference in our season.

“We can’t wait any longer. We need points and we need points quickly.”

Only Norwich have a worse home record than Cherries in the top flight this campaign. Howe’s side have only won twice on their own patch in the division this season.

Asked what would make Vitality Stadium a fortress once again, 42-year-old Howe replied: “By winning and creating that feeling that we are invincible here.

“I think teams used to really fear coming here. It’s a tight stadium, a small ground obviously but a really good atmosphere.

“That’s no blame on the crowd because we haven’t performed well enough here consistently this season – only a couple of wins is not enough.

“But we really need, between now and the end of the season, that feeling back, that atmosphere back, which only we can create as the team ourselves. That’s what we are going to endeavour to do.

“If you go out with good body language, a good attitude, good mentality, the crowd will back that. I’m desperate to see that this weekend and we have to show it.

“We have to show how much this game means to us.”

He added: “Crowds have to respond to the players. Sometimes, in times of need, you need the crowd to try to lift the players during the game.

“In some ways it a two-way thing but I think the responsibility is on us and that’s what I’m asking the players to deliver this weekend.”