PAUL Maitland has urged Terras fans to get behind player-manager Jason Matthews, as the club approaches a pivotal period in its play-off push.

The Weymouth first-team goalkeeping coach, who joined the Terras’ staff early in 2013, fully understands the recent frustration of supporters, but has called for positivity to back the boss.

“People don’t know how much he has changed and how much he has achieved,” Maitland told Echosport.

“I was quite shocked when I arrived at the club with how it was, but with the effort Jason has put in, things have changed for the better and the club is a better place to be.

“I think everyone would agree that he has been a breath of fresh air.

“However you look at it, we are still bang in the play-offs, we are not relying on anyone else to keep us there, it’s still in our hands.”

Speaking about Saturday’s slip up against bottom club Burnham, he added: “Obviously what goes on in the dressing room stays in there but the lads are all very aware that they let themselves down.

“The lads don’t need to be booed off the pitch to know they haven’t played well.

“I know it hurts Jase and he is not used to it because we have been successful.

“He will be alright and we will go again but I hope people give him a chance and back him a little bit because that’s what we need.

“We need people to back him now and not lambast him.”

Maitland also reserved special praise for outgoing assistant-manager Craig Laird, who departed the club on Monday to join Yate Town.

“It’s a shame and, on a personal note, Craig was good for my personal development as a coach. I would say Micky Greeno would say the same thing, we have learnt a lot from him over the season,” he added.

“I have spoken to one or two of the players the day Craig left and we have put it to them that it’s time for everybody to stand up and be counted.”