Mr Ranson, Chairman of the only East and West Midlands club in the top two divisions apart from Premier League Aston Villa, not to have a promotion in the last five years, said to the club website: "This could not have set up Saturday's clash more perfectly. There is a lot to play for and I really hope that the lure of the derby along with the exciting week will bring in a big gate.
"We know at the club that we have a lot to prove, but we cannot do it without support. People have been desperate for us to bring new players in, but we have been faced with falling gates at a time when similar sized clubs in the Midlands have seen their attendances rising while not really performing on the pitch.
"But we have still strengthened and I believe we have a more balanced squad than last season.
"The attendances are a "great worry" to everyone and while we have done a great deal in terms of pricing and incentives, we know that it is ultimately success on the pitch which will bring people in.
"We are 18 months in to what is a long term plan and we have to be patient. Nothing, frankly, sums that up more than Leon Best.
"A year ago he was getting a fair bit of criticism, but Chris Coleman and Steve Harrison have shown patience and really stuck with him and now he and Clinton are one of the hottest combinations in the league.
"We would love to build the finished team and see that attract supporters to the Ricoh but it does not work like that. Without the finances from the gates we cannot continue to build in the way we have.
"We are currently around 10,000 below where we want to be and we have to start building attendances - hopefully Saturday will be a step towards that."
"The attendances are a "great worry" to everyone and while we have done a great deal in terms of pricing and incentives, we know that it is ultimately success on the pitch which will bring people in.
"We are 18 months in to what is a long term plan and we have to be patient. Nothing, frankly, sums that up more than Leon Best.
"A year ago he was getting a fair bit of criticism, but Chris Coleman and Steve Harrison have shown patience and really stuck with him and now he and Clinton are one of the hottest combinations in the league.
"We would love to build the finished team and see that attract supporters to the Ricoh but it does not work like that. Without the finances from the gates we cannot continue to build in the way we have.
"We are currently around 10,000 below where we want to be and we have to start building attendances - hopefully Saturday will be a step towards that."