Interview | Nelson: 'Please back the lads\

Blyth Spartans manager Michael Nelson understands fans' frustration - but has pleaded for everyone to get behind his players. 

Nelson, who was appointed Blyth boss in the summer, has recruited a new-look squad in line with the budget available to him.

Spartans have picked up one point from their opening five National League North matches - which followed in a 1-1 draw with AFC Telford United.

Since then however, it's been three straight league defeats for Nelson and co after Saturday's 2-0 loss at Kidderminster Harriers.

But Nelson has vowed to stick by his players following the tough start to the campaign and has asked supporters to do the same.

He told blythspartans.com: "I appreciate some fans will be getting frustrated but please back the lads.

"They are largely a young group and certainly not lacking effort, both in training and during games.

"The results are not going our way but it's definitely not for the want of trying hard. We need to develop them as individuals and as a team and install a winning mentality.

"They are starting to take things on board. It's all a matter of how quickly we can improve."

He added: "I thought for periods of the game we held our own but the result is the result. I get that. However, we looked better than we have over the last few weeks.

"Players are taking things on board - not quite quickly enough to get the results we need, although we are moving forward individually and group-wise.

"We have worked hard to improve our shape and structure. On Saturday, we looked much more competitive than we did at Gloucester.

"We started the Kidderminster game quite well but we didn't pull the trigger when we should have. It's something we've worked on and will continue to do."

Despite the need for improvement, Nelson did draw positives from the defeat at Aggborough - in particular Michael Cain's debut.

"I thought Michael Cain showed he will give us something," Nelson said. "He has only trained once and that was his first league game but I was happy with his contribution.

"The centre-halves did quite well and Brad Young made a couple of great saves and kicked well.

"Yes, Ade needs support upfront and maybe Paul Blackett's return can see to that. We do need to test keepers more and add that to our game."