BROMSGROVE Rovers' chairman Tom Herbert has given manager Jimmy Mullen his full support, but has demanded a dramatic improvement in results to enhance the team's promotion hopes in the second half of the season.

Herbert still remains upbeat that Rovers can win promotion from the Southern League Division One West, despite their lowly position.

However, the club's supremo admits it is going to take a huge improvement in league form to see his dream of promotion fulfilled.

He said: "We will have 61 points to play for and if we can win most of our games I believe we can still go up.

"It's going to take a big improvement, either in the quality of the team, or its performances. I still have faith in Jimmy (Mullen), but he knows results haven't been good enough.

"If mistakes are made then any criticism should be aimed at me because I hire the managers.

"There's no rift between the board and the coaching staff, we're all working together to see the club go up."

Herbert, like his manager, has pinpointed a striker as a crucial player to add to the squad.

The Victoria Ground club has struggled for goals all season, while Ben Porter and Matthew Barnes-Homer have yet to score regularly.

Rovers have also used the services of Chris Smith, Dean Curtis, Mark Danks and Paul Szewczyk, who have all moved on.

The chairman said: "We're badly missing a goal-scorer.

"It would make a massive difference to the way the team is performing.

"Jim's put together an excellent football side, but they are up against big strong teams every week who will try and unsettle them.

"Results have really hit the players' confidence, but the spirit and the camaraderie in the squad remains strong."

The chairman believes that the club's off-pitch affairs are in order.

He said: "I feel we're getting things right behind the scenes.

"We're getting things right financially and not spending beyond our means, unlike some clubs in the area.

"I am hoping to increase the number of directors at the club to share the work."

As for the future, Rovers' chairman has plans for the 2006/2007 season.

"I would love the club to turn ful-time in the next few years, but that is something for the future."

By Peter McKinney