WE’RE all behind you.

That’s the message to Worcester Warriors, not only from their fans but the whole city in their do or die encounter with Bristol at Sixways tonight.

After a gruelling season, the chance to return to English rugby’s top flight and the financial boost that would bring to Worcester hinges on 80 minutes.

The second leg of the Championship play-off final is sold out, with 10,000 Warriors flags placed on stadium seats to boost what is sure to be an electric atmosphere, with just one point separating the teams from the first leg.

If Warriors fans wake up tomorrow morning having achieved promotion to the Premiership, it will provide a shot in the arm for both the club and the city.

Businesses will feel the economic benefit of the return of top division rugby – and it will put a smile on the faces of all the city’s sports fans.

Gary Woodman, executive director of Worcestershire LEP, said: “It brings a profile and also bigger clubs to the city – no disrespect to those in the Championship.

“The likes of Leicester, Northampton and the local derby with Gloucester will bring more fans.

“Also the fact we could have a Premiership team gets Worcester’s name out there nationally.

“Going up would raise Worcester’s profile, with the coverage being on BT, and getting the name out there which is fantastic.”

Mr Woodman said as well as offering an economic boost, having Premiership rugby back in Worcester would also bring a feelgood factor.

“I think it’s safe to say it would bring millions of pounds to the local economy, but it’s difficult to put an exact figure on it,” he said, “But I would say it’s definitely in the millions.

“Tourism will benefit – the bars, restaurants and hotels – but I think as well it’s important to put people in a better mood.

“When they went down the place was just a bit glum and being in the Premiership just makes everything a bit better.”

Warriors Rugby Supporters’ Club secretary Lindsay Clayton has followed the club around the country.

She is hopeful Worcester get the victory to propel themselves back into the top flight, but is bracing herself for a tough encounter.

Mrs Clayton said: “The highlights have been seeing the team develop during the season and especially some of the younger plays coming through.

“There are some stalwarts that have deserved their places but many other have come through and played a serious part.

“I’m confident that it will be a close game, as there’s only been a piece of paper between the teams in the games they’ve already played.

“You can hardly split them on quality and it’s going to be close.

“I’m dreaming of bouncing around at Sixways singing ‘we are going up’.

“We’ll be doing our best to gee everybody up and shout them on, as we have all season.”

Worcester City Council Labour group leader, and Warriors fan, Adrian Gregson said regaining Premiership status isn’t the be all and end all.

But he admitted it would bring enormous benefits to the city.

He said: “It is important but I don’t think it’s something that should be an added pressure for the guys who have got to play.

“There are a whole load of things that come along as a result of the match.

“Clearly the whole Warriors package is an important element of Worcester’s attraction.”