Worcester City chairman Dave Boddy today issued a rallying call to supporters to get behind manager John Barton and his players amid a turbulent run of results for the St George's Lane club.

In a passionate plea, Boddy has urged the City faithful to put their criticisms to one side and give the team their full backing on Friday night as they strive to end a four-match losing streak against Alfreton Town in Nationwide North.

He also delivered answers to questions posed by fans concerned about the recent run in results and the current state of the club.

Boddy has faith in Barton to turn around the club's league form and admits to have been stung by the fans' reaction following defeats to Harrogate Town and Cambridge City.

Boddy said: "The supporters have been wonderful over the last four or five years and have given us tremendous support both home and away.

"But there has been a lot of disappointment over recent results and a few negative things have been said about John, the players and the club.

"I just want supporters to bear with it, keep encouraging us, and hopefully we can turn the corner. The fans are entitled to their opinion, they pay their cash and they have their frustrations.

"We have every faith in John. He has got a contract until the end of the season and I don't see any reason why either party won't hold to that."

Boddy said he understands the supporters' frustrations but insists a number of criticisms directed at the club are off the mark.

He said that:

City's injury crisis is the main reason for the dip in results.

The club cannot afford new signings or loan players.

City have been entertaining.

Barton is right not to expose the club's younger players.

Goalkeeper Danny McDonnell was not rushed back into action.

Boddy said: "Nobody is more frustrated about the recent run of results and form than myself, John and the club's board of directors. We are as frustrated as supporters.

"On Saturday we had five frontline players sat in the stand injured and Danny now makes that six. That's the position we are in and there's nothing we can do about it.

"Our supporters have asked for loaned players. We can't afford to go out and get loaned players. By reaching the commitments that we've got with the existing players, there is no surplus to go out and extend this. We are over budget and that has got to be addressed.

"I don't see any other reason why the fans should be frustrated other than the results. The expectation is there and supporters want us to win the league.

"If we can get past this injury run, we now have a blank fortnight, hopefully we can get back on track and I see no reason why we still can't be pushing towards a play-off spot."

Argue

Boddy added: "I would argue against those who say the football has not been entertaining. The three games against Moor Green, Kettering and Lancaster were as good as back-to-back performances for some time.

"With regard to the youngsters, I think to expose them at this stage, Shabir Khan excluded, would be very unprofound because they are not ready yet. We've signed them on potential but they are not ready for the rigours of first-team football on a game basis.

"Some of the criticism we got was that we rushed Danny back and I think that was totally unfair. He played in the reserves and came through no problems and had two rigorous training sessions prior to the game. You can't legislate for getting smashed in the same place, in the same spot, in his comeback."

What's your view? Do you agree with City's chairman? Send in your comments to wensport@midlands. newsquest.co.uk or fax 01905-742277 or write to Hylton Road, Worcester, WR2 5JX.

Worcester City's Bob Marley is on Radio Five Live tonight (8pm) discussing whether the FA Centre of Excellence and Football League Academies are value for money.