Former Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey says Tim Sherwood's relationship with the Holte End will be key to success at Villa Park.
The new Villa manager oversaw their FA Cup win against Leicester City yesterday.
Heskey, now with Bolton Wanderers, recalled to the Mirror: "We were playing Blackburn and went a couple of goals down, but finished up winning, scoring six, and to be honest it was all thanks to the way the fans got behind us.
"If you ask me for the best night as a Villa player it comes to mind straight away, not necessarily even for the result but just for the way we were able to feed off the energy of the fans to give ourselves a fighting chance.
"Those things stick in your mind, and that sort of mood and support is still there waiting for somebody to come in and take advantage of.
"Villa fans are like most - give them something to cheer about and they will get behind you. At the moment there hasn't been anything to write home about.
"But it definitely makes it a big opportunity for a new manager. Those fans will give anybody their backing as long as they see a change. They want to see a change in the mentality of the players, and if they get that the mood will lift."
