AFC Totton manager Steve Hollick admits the support of chairman Andy Straker has been a big help during his first season in charge at the Testwood Stadium.

The Stags suffered their biggest defeat under Hollick last week, when they crashed 6-0 at Evesham.

But Hollick admits he is grateful for Straker’s backing as he prepares for tomorrow’s home game against Taunton Town.

He said: “Managing is a lot harder than I thought it would be, especially when things are against us.

“I really enjoyed the camaraderie as goalkeeping coach so to go from that to being the main man and having to make decisions like dropping friends has been quite difficult.

“But I’m learning quickly and am still smiling occasionally. I’m lucky to have good guys around me and the support of the chairman and vice-chairman has been unwavering.

“Even after last Saturday’s game the chairman was the first to put his arm around me and say things will be ok.”

Totton trailed 1-0 at half-time before conceding four goals in the last 20 minutes at Evesham.

“It was a Jekyll and Hyde performance, we were in the game until we conceded the second and then capitulated,” explained Hollick, whose team lost 3-2 at Taunton on the opening day of the season.

“They were a very good side with a very lively front two. We’ll have a tough job containing them, their number ten is one of the best in the league.

“But it will be nice to be at home after a lot of away games of late. Hopefully we’ll have a decent crowd.

“The supporters have been really vocal for the last couple of home games and that makes a massive difference. It can really spur the lads on.”

Midfielder Jake Burgess is available again tomorrow after being suspended for the Evesham defeat.