NATHAN Walker has leapt to the defence of Phil Simkin after Magpies’ fans at Monday’s derby called for him to quit as Dorchester Town boss.

Club captain Walker says the players are firmly behind their under-fire manager and that Simkin is definitely “the right man” for the job.

Dorchester’s 2-0 defeat to Weymouth was their third in a row in the league, but Walker insists it is not a time to panic with 40 games still to play this season.

Speaking to Echosport about those supporters who voiced their feelings at the Bob Lucas Stadium, the skipper said: “I could understand their frustration but Phil has done well with what he has got.

“A couple of seasons ago we had our highest number of points in Conference South and they loved him.

“Everyone has got to get behind each other in this tough period and pull in the right direction.

“We are six games in and there are still 40 to play – there is no need to panic.

“We will click soon and once we do that we will be a threat.”

He continued: “The players have belief in Phil and we are all backing him.

“He picks the team but it is down to the players at the end of the day, so we’ve got to take a bit of responsibility ourselves.

“We’ve lost three in a row so we will get to see what characters we’ve got in the dressing room.”

Walker was a teenager at Hamworthy when he first linked up with Simkin, and the defender is in no doubt that he should remain in charge at the Avenue.

“Phil is the right man for the job,” he added. “With the situation the club is in I don’t think you can sack Phil and get a new manager.

“Phil loves Dorchester Town and I know it hurts him hearing what they (the fans) said.

“All the players are behind Phil and want to do well.

“It’s very early in the season to be asking for him to be sacked.

“Two years ago he was the best thing going and you don’t become a bad manager overnight.

“He has got a great assistant in Stuart and they are right for each other.”