NEW Billericay Town boss John Mifsud faces a baptism of fire tonight when he leads the New Lodge side into Ryman Premier Division action for the first time.

For Mifsud starts his first team managerial life with a home game against a play-off-chasing Sutton United side who are defending an unbeaten 15-match run.

Mifsud has been put in charge following the decision at the weekend to bring Brian Statham’s near season-long spell in charge to an end. The club are just four points and two places clear of the drop zone with seven games remaining.

Billericay chairman Steve Kent revealed he had acted now to relieve former Spurs full-back Statham and his assistant Barry Lakin of their duties as “it would have been unfair in my opinion to let Brian work and make plans for next season while I was making plans for a new manager.”

Kent admitted his disappointment that it had not worked out for Statham and Lakin.

“They brought some good players to our club and played decent football, but we never really got going,” he said. “My decision was purely a footballing one. Our relationship remained good throughout the season and I hope it remains that way.”

Kent acted after Saturday’s dismal 1-1 home draw with fellow strugglers Cray Wanderers.

He told the club’s website: “It’s time for the players to show us what they are about. At Horsham I thought they were magnificent. They worked their socks off and deservedly ran out comfortable winners.

“But on Saturday we showed little desire to increase the 62-goal tally that had been conceded by Cray.

“I fully expect our lads to play the remaining games with self pride and a professional attitude. They also have an opportunity to repay the faith that Brian and Barry had shown in them.”

Reserve team boss Mifsud, who will take control for this season’s remaining games, has been at New Lodge for six years.

He is renowned for having a good eye for a player and has built many successful youth sides.

Apart from his current reserve duties, he has also overseen the under-18s and 16s, and brought youngsters such as Rob Swaine, Dale Brightly, Wayne Semanshia and the current New Lodge teenage star Harrison Chatting to the fore.

Kent has already had talks with Town skipper Ian Cousins, who has pledged support for the fight to come to beat relegation.

“I ask that all the supporters on the terraces get wholeheartedly behind our team,” added Kent. “Your support means a lot to the lads on the pitch and I’m sure they will respond positively with your help.”

Statham admitted at surprise at the timing of his dismissal.

“I wouldn’t have had any complaints if the chairman had done this at Christmas, but I honestly felt that in our latest run of just one defeat in seven games we were at last beginning to see signs of promise for the future. To say that it’s been an interesting season would be an understatement. When I arrived in the summer there were a lot of things that needed sorting out on the playing side.

“When you look at our record, it’s clear where our problems have been. Our defensive record is the second best in the league and I’m sure our league position would have been a lot different if our main striker Billy Bricknell hadn’t missed over half the campaign through injury and we’d managed to find a front man to play alongside him to score 10 to 15 goals.

“As far as the fans go, those who have supported us magnificently on our travels have been superb.

“At home there has been a minority that have got on the backs of the players and I’ve always said that if they want to have a go the criticism should be aimed at me and not them.

“Some more experienced players can take it, but there’s no doubt that criticism can badly affect youngsters.

“I’d only say to those fans that if they can concentrate on supporting the players rather than having a go you’ll see just how big a boost it will be to them.”

>A few spaces are remaining on Billericay’s soccer school from April 6-9 at a cost of £45 for four days. It takes place daily from 10am to 3pm and is open to girls and boys aged four to 14. Ring Mick Nixon on 07977 208203 to book or for further information.