We are now firmly into the territory of what former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson once described as ‘squeaky bum time’.

Whether it be promotion chasing or relegation fighting every decision you make, every training session you conduct and every conversation you have as a manager can make or break your season.

Everything you have worked towards, all the hours you’ve put in and the sacrifices you have made come down to a handful of games.

This is why we do it, isn’t it?

The pressures do differ from club to club depending on expectation.

At Bowers we are somewhat fortunate that expectation is low and, in truth, I am not sure if our club could even begin to comprehend the prospect of Ryman Premier football. It would be a fantastic problem to have though!

Amid all the headlines surrounding Billericay Town right now you cannot help but notice the momentum the team is building on the pitch.

I wouldn’t bet against them sneaking an unlikely play-off place and if you ask around most would probably agree that it is easier to chase at this stage than be chased.

Across the higher echelons of the Ryman Premier and Ryman North this weekend there were points being dropped left, right and centre with some really surprising results.

This is what Sir Alex was eluding to and the mental challenge probably exceeds everything else during the run-in.

If you think it’s tough at the top imagine the pressure at the other end of the table.

With that in mind, you have to take your hat off to the Canvey Island team who were stranded near the bottom of the Ryman Premier League before stringing together five straight wins.

That is an incredible show of character and a vital points return.

Despite the pressure, the headaches and the workload I for one would not change it for the world.

However mad that sounds, it’s great to be involved in the thick of it.