A HEARTFELT message has been sent out to Billericay Town boss Craig Edwards urging fans to back the team.

On Tuesday night a post was made on the Ryman Premier League club’s website talking at length about his love for the team he took over in 2010.

Within the message, Edwards said it has been a “tough season” but he wants supporters to help make New Lodge a fortress again.

Despite sitting in 11th place, Billericay have suffered from poor home form, with 11 losses out of 19 league matches.

This is in stark contrast to their away record which has seen them bag 10 victories.

Edwards told the Echo he sent out the message to try to get everyone pulling in the same direction.

“There has been a bit of negativity around the ground,” Edwards said.

“Since I have been at the club it has been such an united club and in all the recent years everyone including the directors, chairman, players, staff and supporters have played their part.

“This year though things have been a bit more fragmented, but I feel people need to get their expectations more realistic about where we are as a club.

“What happened two years ago – when we got promoted to the Conference South – was a minor miracle and it is going to take patience before we can replicate that.”

With a debt which Edwards described as “massive” left behind from their season in the Conference South, the manager said the 2013/14 season was always going to be about rebuilding.

He also said he wants as many fans to show up at a forum set up by him and chairman Steve Kent at 7.30pm in the clubhouse in Blunts Wall Lane a week today (Thursday April 10).

Edwards said: “With the budget we’re working with we cannot just cherry pick the best players from the Ryman league, so we had to go down the building a youthful side with bags of potential route.

“I would love it if every critic came down to the forum.

“After every game I’m always open to hearing opinions whether we win, lose or draw and this forum will be no different.”