KEITH Curle says the return of fans reignited the matchday experience.

The Latics head coach was delighted with a crowd of over 2,000.

And he hopes they went away with positive feelings about a squad that had been relishing their return to the stands.

“When I arrived at the ground today I was signing a few autographs outside and you’re thinking ‘matchday’.

“In the whole build-up the players had been talking about it in the changing room, the staff had been talking about it in the football club as well.

“For us to the work, for us to function, we want to do it in front of our supporters.

“The important thing is they’ve seen the building of a squad with a team mentality.”

And he is encouraging the fanbase to unite behind his players, adding: “I want to get this place buzzing, I want to get this place rocking. I want to see this place absolutely packed to the rafters.”