EDDIE Mitchell has issued an impassioned plea to supporters to draw a line under Cherries ’ poor start to the season and give their full backing to Paul Groves and his players.

Chairman Mitchell and boss Groves have both come under fire following a turbulent opening which has seen Cherries win just one league game and exit two cup competitions.

Failure to register a first home win of the campaign against Walsall on Saturday would see Cherries record one of their worst starts to a season over the first nine league games.

Murmurings of discontent began to surface during a dismal 1-1 draw with Hartlepool, prompting Mitchell to urge supporters to boo him rather than the team.

However, the unrest intensified when irate fans made their feelings known by calling for the head of boss Groves during the calamitous 4-0 defeat at Swindon on Saturday.

And while Mitchell acknowledges Groves and his men must start to turn the tide on the pitch, he says the Goldsands Stadium faithful can also play a part from the stands.

He told the Daily Echo: “I know it is hard to cheer when things are going against you but that is the time we need our 12th man. Good days have been in short supply this season and you need support more when you aren’t doing well.

“They don’t give you a walking stick when you are walking well – they give you one to help you get back on your feet. I know it is difficult because I am a supporter as well and it takes me days to get over a bad result.

“We are one-sixth of the way through the season and I have worked out where we would finish if things were to carry on and it is not where we want to be. We will get there and promotion is still the aim. We have all got to believe we can do it.”

Mitchell, who came out in support of Groves in the wake of Cherries’ hiding at Swindon, added: “Undoubtedly, that was our lowest point. It wasn’t our day and the boys all admitted they had played below par.

“We know the players have got to perform on the pitch. I have made clear my feelings about chanting at the manager and I feel that reflects on the boys as well. I don’t think that is the right way to go about getting things to improve.”

Speaking to the Daily Echo on Saturday, Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio said he had sympathy with Groves.

Di Canio added: “You could see there is quality in the team and, one day, we will see them in a different position. Two weeks ago, I had the same pressure after we had lost two games in a row. Being a manager can be a lonely job. I hope things turn for him because it is not a very comfortable situation.”