Stick by us, Tom Tonks urges Bucks fans
AFC Telford United midfielder Tom Tonks has called for Bucks fans to stick them despite the club being stranded rock-bottom of the National League North.
Tonks admits he is 'lost for words' at his side's poor form – but confident that they have what it takes to turn it around.
The ball-winning central midfielder, famed in the West Midlands non-league circles for his gigantic long throw-ins, joined from Evo-Stik Northern Premier side Stourbridge and has slotted into Rob Smith's team.
Tonks has featured three times for the Bucks since his move, helping edge Smith's men to victory on his debut against Lowestoft Town and playing in the defeats to Hednesford Town and Gloucester City.
"I think there is enough in that dressing room to get us out of this mess, so stick with us," said the 24-year-old.
"I believe that with a couple of back to back wins we can find some form and pull ourselves out of the relegation zone.
"Obviously I like winning. At the moment we are not winning and I'm a bit lost for words.
"But we just have to keep on going."
Smith has recently alluded to the presence of a 'losing mentality' in the Bucks dressing room.
Tonks admits things were different during his six months as a Stourbridge player.
He was part of the Glassboys squad that went all the way to the FA Cup second round.
Gary Hackett's side are also still in this season's FA Trophy.
"We had a good dressing room and a winning mentality at Stourbridge," Tonks said.
"Once we get out of this rut I think we will be OK.
"It's just getting out of it which is the hard part.
"Stourbridge are a good club, but opportunities don't come around that often to play at this level."
Long-throw specialist Tonks said a chat with Smith and assistant Larry Chambers persuaded him to uproot to Telford.
Tonks was impressed by the passion they showed in wanting to turn the club's fortunes around.
He added: "I've spoken to Rob and Larry and they sold the club to me.
"They are desperate to get the club out of this mess and I'm here to help that."
Telford went into today's home clash with Hednesford Town – Smith and Chambers' former employers – four points adrift at the bottom of the table having claimed just one victory from their last seven league matches.
