DAVID Flitcroft wants to build on the unity shown by fans who came together at Gigg Lane on Saturday to celebrate the life of Neville Neville.

Supporters in all four corners of the ground took part in a minute’s applause to show their respects to a man credited by the manager and chairman Stewart Day with saving the club.

The emotional tribute seemed to have an impact on the players’ performance as they responded to the charged atmosphere with a stirring display against Swindon.

“The fans paid their respects - they were outstanding with their noise,” he said.

“When we were pressing first half the fans were all over it and there was a great togetherness within the stadium.

“I want that to continue. Come in numbers and lets continue to support this team, who are trying to give everything they have got and while I am manager that is what you will see.”

Flitcroft also paid his own personal tribute to Neville, who was commercial director at the club during his time there as a player.

He revealed how the Greenmount-based father of ex-Manchester United footballers Gary and Phil Neville continued to work behind the scenes at the club long after he stepped back from his role as a director.

Day said in his programme notes that Neville personally helped to broker the deal that saw him rescue the club from a winding up order in 2013, courting him in his box at Old Trafford.

And Flitcroft added: “The fans over the last week have understood and delved into the history of what Neville Neville means to the football club.

“I know that the Manchester United fans were singing about him on Friday night so he’s someone locally that people know what he’s done and know how much he has built a foundation for this football club.

“I don’t think I would be sat here if it wasn’t for Neville Neville and I know the chairman probably wouldn’t have taken on the football club.”