Walsall-born Keates, who has seen his side defeated in each of their last four league outings, believes the fans' backing will be crucial as the Saddlers enter the final six games of the 2018/19 campaign, and called upon the Saddlers faithful to recreate the atmosphere generated during last year's season-saving win over Northampton Town.
Speaking via the Express & Star, Dean said; "The fans’ support, more than ever, is going to be needed over the next six games. We need them for Oxford. The Barnsley atmosphere in the last game was unbelievable.
"They helped the team get on the front. Last year it came down to that Northampton game and the volume from the fans was unbelievable. The atmosphere and what happened in the last few minutes is something I will always look back on with fond memories.
"That atmosphere needs to be recreated. There have been points over the season where the fans have done that and we need it again now. We need to be united and we need to make sure we get what we need at the weekend so we can get out the relegation zone."