STEPHEN Bywater says that the passion of the Brewers fanbase is the reason that Nigel Clough’s men are continuing to fight in the league, despite not having a promotion push to play for.
The goalkeeper returned to the starting line up and produced a solid performance in a harsh 2-1 defeat to promotion-chasing Portsmouth, which ended Albion's unbeaten run of five games.
Bywater says that Nigel Clough would not allow the side to take their foot off the gas and settle for their mid-table position, as the Brewers want to reward the dedication of the supporters that follow them all over the country, something that he says will continue at Southend on Monday.
He said: “You work for the gaffer, he wouldn’t have it any other way. Every minute counts, you play football to score goals and everyone knows that. That’s why we keep going forward and pressing. That is how the manager plays and that’s how we should play as professionals.
“The fans want to see us, no matter what is happening, try to win and win in a good way.
“Hopefully we will go (to Southend) and give the fans something to watch. The supporters were magnificent at Sunderland. We don’t get many, maybe one or two coach loads and it is important that we play for them.
“They are passionate about how we play and getting the results. The season is never over until it is over, you have to play for yourself, the supporters and the team.”