WORCESTER City’s “genuine” supporters have given the club’s under-fire board of directors the “heart to carry on”, according to chairman Anthony Hampson.

The City chief said he was “grateful” for the fans who have got behind the Vanarama National League North outfit at Bromsgrove’s Victoria Ground.

He also hailed Worcester’s ground-share with Bromsgrove Sporting as a “success” after ending their three-year stay at Kidderminster Harriers’ Aggborough in April.

Over the summer, Hampson and his directors faced heavy criticism after Worcester City Supporters’ Trust failed to make the club a Community Benefit Society following a shareholders' vote.

The result in July led to calls for the chairman to quit with a number of disgruntled fans saying they would stop supporting the club.

Since this season got under way, City’s average attendance has been 572 in their opening six home league games.

Last term, they averaged 661 at Aggborough, meaning a drop in support of 15.6 per cent.

Hampson said: “The ground-share at the Victoria Ground has so far been a success.

“I am grateful for all those genuine City fans who have followed us here and bought their season ticket.

“They are a lifeblood to the club and given your board of directors heart to carry on despite continual criticism from those that could have done better when they had the chance.”

A crowd of 628 turned out to watch Worcester get knocked out of the Emirates FA Cup by Brackley Town 3-0.

With many fans voicing their displeasure during the game, manager Carl Heeley admitted they had a “right to moan”.

However, he also compared the Victoria Ground to a “morgue” at times and urged the City faithful to put “energy” into cheering their team on.

On the eve of the 2016-17 campaign, Heeley said the supporters were “critical” to his team and saluted them following their season opener against Harrogate Town in August.

“It’s a big challenge for Worcester fans to travel out of their own city for home matches but they do it,” said Heeley, whose side have registered just one win in the first eight games on their home turf.

“The players and I are thankful for their support and we want the fans to continue to do it because they will be massively important to us this season.”

City travel to Boston United on Saturday (3pm).