Martin Allen insists the onus is on his players to get the crowd going, rather than the other way around, ahead of Saturday’s EFL League Two clash against Hartlepool United at The Hive.

The Bees return to The Hive for the first time since the loss to Exeter City a fortnight ago and do so with four points from their last two games.

Allen is hoping for a repeat of the performances which brought a 2-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers and a 2-2 draw at Newport County when Pools come to town.

“I think every supporter knows exactly what I’m going to say – every game is a tough game, there aren’t any easy games,” he said.

“If the attitude isn’t right, if we’re second to the ball and second best and happy to settle for that, it’s never going to work.

“I read manager’s notes urging the crowd to get behind the players: ‘Come on, come tomorrow, clap and cheer the players and sing your songs!’

“I read all that stuff and just shake my head and think: ‘You’ve got it the wrong way round, mate.’

“It’s our job to perform and play well. Then they will clap, sing and get behind the team.

“If it’s the other way around, of course, you boo the manager – easy. There’s no other way.

“It’s the players’ job to put on a performance.”

You can watch Martin’s full interview, in which he discusses the draw at Newport County, Gavin Hoyte, Sam Muggleton, Jack Taylor and more, below: