Jarrow are down but certainly not out, according to manager Mick Hutchinson.

The Wearside League side have gained just one point in 17 attempts but Hutchinson is confident of a better second half to the season.

Although he played a couple of years for the club it came as a surprise when he was asked to take over as manager a couple of weeks before the start of the present campaign.

Manager Paul Thu, who led the side which won the Sunderland Shipowners' Cup last season, unexpectedly departed and there was speculation that the club might fold.

But Hutchinson answered the call of hardworking chairman Jimmy Kane and secretary Sue Scott but it has proved a difficult task.

"When I took over there was only a fortnight to prepare for the season and a number of players had left. It was a job just to get 11 men on the field but we have done so for every game and recently I have seen signs of improvement.

"I thought we played particularly well against leaders North Shields last weekend. We scored first and should have been two up before they hit back to win. Nevertheless, although we suffered our 16th defeat, I was encouraged and I am certain it will not be long before we chalk up our first win," enthused Hutchinson.

Before joining Jarrow as a player he had experience in both the Albany Northern League and Wearside League with Hebburn, South Shields, Chester le Street, Annfield Plain and Cleadon SC and is hopeful that his playing skills will rub off on the present squad.

"We have a young side with an average age of 20. It is not easy but I now have Ali Brown alongside me and he is greatly respected. He has been a breath of fresh air since joining us and his arrival has enabled me to play again. I am only 31 but perhaps my experience will be of benefit to the young lads.

"We are well adrift at the bottom, ten points behind Ferryhill Athletic but it is certainly not doom and gloom at Perth Green. Everybody is pulling together and I feel once we have our first success, more will follow," claimed Hutchinson.