PAUL Johnson has backed boss Mark Harper to pull Hampton & Richmond Borough out of their alarming slump.

The Beavers are currently propping up Blue Square South with just one win all season, and went down 1-0 at home to fellow strugglers Boreham Wood on Saturday.

And while Harper has said he will not walk, club chairman Steve McPherson has warned him that the choice may not be his if things don't improve.

Midfielder Johnson said: “It's not as though we're getting soundly beaten each week, it's been by the odd goal, and we just need one win to turn things around.

“We thought it would come when we beat Weston-super-Mare, but then we went and conceded six in the FA Cup at Arlesey, and the confidence just took a dive.

“I can understand where the chairman is coming from, as football is a business at any level, but I'm also confident the gaffer will turn things around.

“We are all behind him, and it's in our best interests to do it for Harps as non-league football is like a revolving door, as a new man coming in could mean the end of the road for us.”

Johnson will be a frustrated spectator tomorrow as Hampton try and get their season back on track at home to Havant & Waterlooville.

A three game ban for his red card at Tonbridge Angels two weeks ago will kick in, meaning he will not be back in action until the trip to Maidenhead on November 12.

Johnson added: “It will be frustrating, all the more so as they moved the Welling game from a Tuesday to a Saturday, so it will in effect be a three week ban.

“It should not have been a red. I've watched it on the internet since, and their guy is right up in my face – I'm just pushing him away. But my hands were raised, and I'll have to pay the price.”