DIRECTOR of basketball Paul James insists the club’s fans will again be a “huge factor” as Worcester Wolves look to build on the success of last season.

Wolves began their campaign in stunning style with an 86-81 victory at Newcastle Eagles last Friday and host Cheshire Phoenix at the University Arena tonight (7.30pm) in their first home match.

The team’s first season in their new Hylton Road home was an unqualified success with average crowds of 1,300 creating intimidating atmospheres to spur James’ side on to collect the first two major trophies in their history — the BBL Trophy and play-off title.

“The supporters are a huge factor,” James said. “Some of the games we won at home last season, we had no right to win. I think that was down to us having that big crowd cheering us on. We just didn’t want to let them down.

“They’re like the sixth man on court — they can be intimidating for the opposition and it certainly gives us a boost, so it’ll be very important that we build on that atmosphere again this season and make sure the wins keep coming.”

James, whose side also visit Manchester Giants on Sunday evening, continued: “We’ve got another fantastic team this year, a bit different from last season — we are a bit more explosive and quicker up and down the court.

“We will execute our sets better than we did last year so we are going to play a nice brand of basketball.

“I hope the fans come out and get behind the team because they did that last year and it spurs the team on to play harder and go through the pain to get the win.”

Managing director Mick Donovan believes the supporters were crucial in seeing the club make the step from being also-rans to the silverware winners.

“I thought we went up to a different level in terms of support last year,” he said. “We managed to keep our loyal fans after the move from the St John’s campus and they were joined by a larger group who had the same passion and commitment.”

Lithuanian centre Donatas Visockis played at Newcastle last week, despite an elbow injury, but will be fit for tonight.