Hampton boss does not fear the sack

Hampton & Richmond Borough boss Mark Harper insists he doesn’t fear the sack – and has backed his side for a return to the Conference South.

Having led the Ryman Premier Division for the first few months of the season, a run of two wins in 12 matches has seen the Beavers drop to 10th – nine points off the play-offs.

Harper’s position came under scrutiny following the Boxing Day defeat to Carshalton, when the club’s board issued a statement demanding ‘an immediate improvement over the next three league games’.

Borough have since picked up draws at Kingstonian and Lewes but postponements have prevented them from building on those results.

Harper told West London Sport: “The club felt they needed to put out a statement, perhaps to give myself and the players a kick up the backside.

“I’ve known the chairman Steve McPherson for 25 years – we grew up together. Until that relationship changes, I can’t see my position changing.

“Fair play to the investors and the board because they’ve been keeping the club going recently. There’s been no home games since Boxing Day so there’s no been no money coming in.”

In spite of the hectic fixture schedule ahead – with 15 matches to fit in during February and March – Harper says promotion is still top of the agenda.

He said: “Looking at the squad we’ve got, there’s no reason why we can’t make the play-offs.

“The players are still upbeat and everyone is chomping at the bit to get a game on.

“It’s just a case of fingers crossed that you don’t pick up too many injuries or suspensions.”

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