STAGS fans need to be patient and get behind their side as they fight to climb the table, says the club's new manager David Holdsworth.
He issued the rallying cry to the Field Mill faithful ahead of his first game in charge of Mansfield Town at home to Altrincham on 10th January.
Frustrations have surfaced throughout the season from Stags' fans fed-up with their team's worrying slump down the Blue Square Premier table and the poor football under previous manager Billy McEwan.
- Click here to read sports editor John Lomas' review of 2008 at Field Mill
However, supporters cheered Holdsworth when he was introduced to the club on the pitch on Monday night - just before kick-off of the 2-0 home defeat to BSP leaders Burton.
But the new boss, who was given an 18-month contract following his appointment from Ilkeston Town, believes the fans' patience will be rewarded if they get behind the team.
Said Holdsworth at a press conference on Friday: "I would like to thank the fans for the very warm welcome they gave me against Burton. I am grateful for that. I can assure them they will get total commitment from me.
"I will do my best to give them a side that is hard to beat, first and foiremost. We aren't here to be attractive right now, we need to realise the situation we are in.
- New manager cheered by Stags fans
"I just want them to understand that patience is a virtue. We will give all we can to make the club a happier place than it has been in recent years.
"When I was at Watford they had a number of managers in quick succession after Graham Taylor and it is not conducive to success.
- Click here to watch a video of Friday's press conference at the club's official website mansfieldtown.net
"I am a young manager and I hope to build something here. It will be a long-term thing and won't be done over night, but foundations will be laid to be built upon while I am at this club.
"I will be working hard with the chairman to bring a structure that needs to be in place.
"I cannot wait to get on the touchline for my first game in charge."
