GARY Smith has praised the fans for their support and has urged it to continue as the season enters the final stretch.

Stevenage hang 10 points above the drop zone and have nine games left – four at the Lamex – to stave off relegation.

After two tough losses to Preston North End and Bournemouth, Smith has asked the fans to show up in their droves and support the team against Sheffield United on Saturday.

“I think the home support has been very, very good and I know the players are grateful to the fans, home and away, for coming,” Smith told The Comet.

“The support we get is very good and I would urge the fans to continue coming. For the players it would be appreciated enormously to get behind the team.”

After a poor run of form resulting in just three wins in the last 14 games, fans have been exasperated by the team’s performance, but the Stevenage boss has asked the supporters to remain “patient” and get behind the team.

“Frustrations around results at home, players been suspended and injured have given a different picture of the group so there maybe the odd erratic display. But we are just as frustrated as the fans.

“They are desperate to see us do well, win games, and entertain. But if they get on the players’ backs it makes it more difficult for the players to express themselves.

“One or two players were showing creative signs at the start of the season but that form has dipped a bit and it means in final third we don’t look as cutting edge and chances to score are more and more limited against good teams.

“I would really ask the fans to continue to be as patient as possible and more importantly give them as much support as possible, especially at difficult times in the game because that lift is everything. It can be the difference between a good step forward or a step back.”