Smith calls for Bucks fans' trust

Rob Smith and Larry Chambers - in charge at Telford since 2005

Telford boss Rob Smith has called for fans to back the club's management as they bid to turn their fortunes around.

Telford have lost four of their last five Blue Square games, but Smith said: "You take the tough times and you fight and you get through it.

"Last season we got to the semis in the FA Trophy and the first round of the FA Cup, won the Setanta Shield, and got to the play-off final.

"There's pressure. But trust in the decisions I make for the club."

Smith has hit out at what he sees as uninformed criticism on fans' forums about team selections and transfers

The defiant Telford boss told BBC Radio Shropshire: "Some fans have a go at me from behind a computer screen and say ridiculous things. They won't come to say things to me face to face.

"They talk about 'ridiculous substitutions' when I know a player is injured. They say Jamie Vermiglio (now with Northwich) was better than anyone we've got, but if they'd come to training they'd have seen how far off the pace he is - and when he doesn't want to stay I can't keep him anyway.

"The chairman's behind me, and gets criticism for it, but it's a tough time.

"If people would back me and my judgement, then we'll come through it.

"Things don't always go your own way, but that's the test of the club."