SHAUN Hearn has urged frustrated fans to put their feelings to one side and get behind under-fire boss Ashley Vickers for Saturday’s crunch FA Cup clash.

On the back of three straight defeats, sections of the Avenue faithful believe the time has come to end Vickers’ 22-month reign at the helm.

Some felt it best to relieve the 40-year-old of his duties ahead of this weekend’s date with Weston-super-Mare but the county town chairman, who refused to be drawn on the long-term future of the Magpies’ manager, does not share that view.

He told Echosport: “Everyone needs to get behind the club and pull in the right direction. They need to support the manager and support the players as we are more than capable of winning on Saturday. Let’s go out there and prove it.”

But with £4,500 at stake, it remains unclear whether defeat at the hands of the Seagulls – who easily beat the Magpies 3-1 only nine days ago – will ultimately spell the end for Vickers.

Hearn added: “I have spoken to Ash but we spoke about many different things. It’s not the right time for me to comment on things because the FA Cup game is more important.

“Ash knows what is required and he assures me the players know what is required.

“The players have proved they can play well, they’ve just not done it consistently enough – you never know what side you’re going to get.

“I’m sure the performance this weekend can’t be any worse than it was when we last played Weston. Hopefully we’ll go out and do ourselves justice.

“It’s down to the players. Once they are out there they have got to perform. They are paid to win football matches.

“Our home form has been pretty dire and it’s important we start getting people through the gates, as well as sponsors wanting to sponsor us. It’s not easy for any club out there due to the current climate.”