Smith took charge of Telford in February 2006

AFC Telford manager Rob Smith says he asked Shrewsbury boss Paul Simpson for advice on how to deal with the pressure of a run of bad results.

Simpson came under fire in January after the Shrews won just three times in 13 games, but has since seen his side win four of their last five.

"I asked him how he coped," Smith revealed to BBC Radio Shropshire.

"All you can do is believe in what you've done and hopefully come out the other end. Paul's done that."

At the same time as Shrewsbury's struggles, Telford went on a similar run of three wins from 13 attempts, with Smith himself coming in for criticism from the United fans.

Like the Shrews, Telford's form has also recovered, with the Bucks winning three and drawing one of their last four games to sit seventh in the Blue Square North, three points off the play-off places.

"Criticism is part of the territory as a manager," Smith added. "But it's still hard to take."

"Fans want more, and we want to deliver more, but when you're a part-time manager it's even harder. With games, travel, training and watching other games you need a good family to support you."

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