By Andy Neild, of our sister paper the Lancashire Evening Telegraph

EWOOD officials are urging fans to 'pump up the volume' against Portsmouth on Sunday in a bid to roar Rovers back into the Premiership.

Graeme Souness's promotion-chasers face arguably their biggest game of the season so far against relegation-haunted Pompey.

And Rovers officials have planned a series of initiatives aimed at getting the full backing of the fans for the Sky TV clash.

A whopping orchestra featuring 10 drummers and three trumpeters will lead the chants from the terraces.

And every fan will be issued with a song sheet containing the lyrics from a specially adapted version of 'Blaydon Races.'

Supporters will also find two-foot square blue and white placards on their seats which they are being asked to hold in the air before kick off so the players walk out of the tunnel to a crescendo of noise and an explosion of colour.

The plans have been devised in a bid to create the best atmosphere possible as Rovers aim to finish their home fixtures with a bang.

But chief executive John Williams is quick to stress it's not supposed to be a promotion party.

"We're not trying to create a party atmosphere it's more an attempt by the club to create an atmosphere in order to achieve a result," said Williams.

"We are just trying to do everything we possibly can to help Graeme and the players achieve the win we are all craving.

"Our supporters have been fantastic all season and we are just asking them for one last push to help us try and achieve our goal.

"This is a chance for every single fan to play their part in helping us get the three points."

Supporters are asked to arrive early as Matt Jansen will be presented with the official supporters club player of the year award on the pitch before the game.

Rovers' 23-goal top scorer just scooped the award ahead of David Dunn in second and Henning Berg in third after one of the biggest votes ever.

Supporters are also reminded that tickets for the game will be on sale on the day from 9am -- regardless of the result at Barnsley tomorrow. A crowd approaching 24,000 is anticipated for the game which is also being screened live on Sky TV.