FANS have come out in support of manager Ernie Howe after his admission that he considered quitting following the club's FA Trophy exit at King's Lynn.

Howe's startling and forthright comments in last week's Gazette have prompted a host of letters from readers who have backed the long-serving boss.

The correspondence from individual fans we have received at Gazette House state how glad they are he isn't leaving and that he is determined to ensure the club reach the new Conference South.

The line "Ernie is Basingstoke Town through and through" features prominently in many responses, as does the sympathy fans have with his position - working with limited finances and certain players who haven't been pulling their weight this season.

Various messages have also been posted by the Camrose faithful on the club's official website message board in appreciation of the job Howe has done and the effort he continues to put in.

It is support Howe said he is grateful for, after what has been a difficult period for him since the King's Lynn game.

Howe met with the club's board of directors on Saturday morning to discuss the Gazette story and his feelings about many issues at the club.

On the pitch, he was hoping for a positive result against Harrow to reinvigorate the Town ranks.

The subsequent 1-0 defeat consigned Town to a sixth consecutive loss - yet Howe was more upbeat because the players responded to a clear-the-air discussion and put in the necessary effort.

But he was still reflective about his future in conversation later.

He reiterated: "If I lose faith then it's time to walk away, but it's up to me when to take that action and to decide which way to go from here."

He added: "It's a very frustrating time for us all because we are not getting the results when we should be doing better.

"If I look objectively, I don't think I would be doing any-thing differently - we're just not scoring or getting the breaks we need to get a win."

Speaking with Howe, who, after a 30-year career in the game, would miss football too much to quit, it is clear he needs a good holiday and break - more than just the odd week here and there, too, so that he can fully recharge his batteries.

Increased support from the powers-that-be, businesses and people in the town would also go a long way to renewing his enthusiasm, so he doesn't feel he is continually swimming against the tide.

Another factor that will help is making the Conference South in the restructured non-League set-up.

A new league and competing against teams in different parts of the country will do much to revitalise all at the club - Howe and Pete Peters, the board, players and supporters.

Town are in 14th place and need a top 13 finish to secure their spot.

Howe said it shouldn't act as an extra pressure on the team over the remaining months of the season.

He added: "I've got enough good players with experience for it not to affect them in that way. Making the new set-up has been our aim all season and it is a concern to me."