EXCITED fans are ignoring the pundits and the bookies by pledging their support for Wanderers' bid to become a Premiership force - right from the first whistle.

Sam Allardyce's multi-talented, cosmopolitan team will be guaranteed a rousing chorus of support when they kick off the new season away to Fulham on Saturday week.

Mad keen Whites, determined to see their heroes in action at Loftus Road - the new temporary home of Jean Tigana's team - snapped up the original allocation of 1,200 tickets in just 24 hours, prompting officials to ask for more.

Now a second allocation of 1,700 has arrived and is already selling well.

Despite the mood of optimism generated by the addition of Youri Djorkaeff, Jay Jay Okocha, Bulent Akin, Bernard Mendy and Delroy Facey to last season's survival squad, the bookies are still tipping Wanderers for the drop.

Latest odds from Coral bracket Wanderers with newly-promoted Birmingham as even money second favourites for relegation behind West Brom, who are quoted at 9-4 ON. But Reebok loyalists are undeterred.

"The first game of the season is always a big one for the fans and the team and we're hoping we can get close to selling the 3,000 or so tickets we've been allocated," a Wanderers' spokesman said.

"It will be fantastic if our supporters can generate a big atmosphere at Loftus Road, getting right behind the team from the word 'go'.

"All being well we will come back with the vital points."

The tickets - priced at £25 for adults, £18 for pensioners and £12 for juniors - are available by postal application only, initially to season ticket holders then to Membership and Lifeline holders from Saturday; Membership or Lifeline holders can apply from Monday and any remaining tickets will go on open sale from Tuesday.

Cheques, accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope, should be made payable to BWFC and addressed to: Ticket and Membership Office (Fulham), BWFC, Reebok Stadium, Lostock, Bolton, BL6 6JW.