STUART Watkiss is calling for realism from Kidderminster Harriers fans but has accepted he will rise or fall by his decisions.

Supporters' frustrations at several seasons of struggle have boiled over after seeing too many below-par displays at Aggborough following relegation to the Nationwide Conference.

And today's home game against bottom-of-the-table Tamworth will hinge on a much-improved Harriers performance as much as a pleasing result.

Midfielder Terry Fleming is out of the line-up, though, due to a one-match ban for a red card in Tuesday's 2-0 defeat at lowly Crawley Town.

In fairness to Watkiss, he did ask for patience before the first game of the season after the well-documented summer take-over delayed his capture of new signings.

He said: "At the moment there's a lot of doom and gloom about but I look up the road at Walsall who are eighth but have just one more point from the same number of games as us.

"We've got to stay level-headed about it. I do understand fans' frustrations and our summer problems don't excuse our last two home displays.

"I won't be hiding behind that. I would hope the players were hurt by those performances. I'm responsible -- it's my team. I pick the players and coach them.

"But the wider picture is all that went on in the summer will have a bearing on where we're going to finish in the league.

"I think people have got to be a bit more realistic about that. A lot think we have a divine right to return to the Football League but we don't."

Watkiss also points to the club's modest playing budget, a lack of quality training facilities and a flimsy youth structure compared to other Conference challengers.

He added: "You have to look at everything and try to improve the club. At the moment, it hasn't got the set-up of a team that will go back up into the Football League."