MANAGER Carl Heeley has urged supporters to create a “positive” atmosphere as Worcester City seek to end their wretched record at Bromsgrove’s Victoria Ground.

Worcester host struggling Stalybridge Celtic today (3pm) aiming to secure only their second home win of the campaign.

Heeley, pictured, admitted he knew it would “take time” to adapt to life in Bromsgrove following their move from Kidderminster Harriers’ Aggborough in the summer.

However, he insisted City’s fans had a key part to play in helping his side, whose only victory at Bromsgrove Sporting’s ground came against Alfreton Town last month, turn their home form around.

“It isn’t surprising as we don’t play in our own city and we didn’t get off to the greatest of starts when we moved to Aggborough,” said Heeley, whose side have been in exile since 2013.

“But we got used to our surroundings and had some good spells there, so it’s going to take time at Bromsgrove.

“I think our supporters have got to stick with the players, believe in them and try to help them.”

Worcester have lost four of their eight home games this term with their last loss coming against Brackley Town in the Emirates FA Cup two weeks ago.

Immediately after their 3-0 defeat, Heeley compared the stadium to a “morgue” due to the lack of vocal support.

Since then, 16th-placed City clinched a 0-0 draw at Boston United last Saturday and Heeley said it was important fans got behind his side against Stalybridge, who have picked up just one win on the road all season.

“The negative comments do nothing for the players,” he continued.

“I appreciate it is a catch-22 situation but frustrations don’t help anybody.

“They (the negative comments) may make the individual feel better but they certainly don’t help the players.

“I just want them to get behind the players and give them positive support because they want to win games of football for the club, themselves and for me and Snap (assistant manager John Snape) just as much as all the supporters and are trying hard to do it.

“It is a little bit reminiscent of the old stand at St George’s Lane. We didn’t seem to have it (the negativity) at Aggborough but hopefully we can get a positive result and positive comments and there will be a bit of confidence built from that.”

Centre-back Tom Sharpe, who looks set to return to the starting line-up after being rested against Boston, was confident City would start winning on their own turf.

“I am not quite sure why we have struggled,” Sharpe said.

“It’s obviously different from playing at the Harriers last season but I think, with the form we are in, it will only be a matter of time before we start winning at home.

“You can’t moan about the surface with ourselves and Bromsgrove Sporting playing on it.

“But I think we need to have a bit more of a mentality that this is our ground and make it difficult for teams to beat us.”