"Fans can rest assured the players are fully committed to the club and will strive to finish the season in the highest position possible, in the hope that we can be there or thereabouts.

"It certainly won't be for the want of trying," Holdsworth wrote this week in a three-page progress report on life at the New Manor Ground.

He began by reflecting on the day he was introduced to supporters and one pensioner asked "what type of football" the team would produce.

"I hope this gentleman is being entertained and I hope the fans agree we have had some highly entertaining games here.

"We managed to head the table for the first time in many years. As a result, lots of teams come to the New Manor Ground with the intention of just taking a point," he wrote.

Holdsworth pointed out that he faced a massive rebuilding job - with striker Jon Douglas the only first team survivor from Nigel Jemson's managerial stint.

"From day one, I worked with my players to build a structure of professional standards on and off the pitch. I've been greatly surprised and delighted by their contribution.

"We have progressed as a team and accumulated a good many points for this stage of the season. The way things are taking shape gives me great pleasure as I am sure it does for the fans," he declared.

Holdsworth took time to say thanks for the "great support" he has received from directors Dennis Harris and Jim Cheetham, as well as secretary Rachel Thornton and her husband Steve, the under-19s coach.

"I have a great staff behind me, a loyal friend in Kevin Philliskirk and sports scientist Gavin Jones, wonderful assets who understand my work ethic, along with physio Jason Truscott, who works extremely hard on rehab.

"Over the opening months, I have worked hard on player development, improving their knowledge of the game and implementing a team structure.

"Every game has been managed individually and I believe the players understand what is expected of them within the framework of the team.

"Preparation for matches is essential and I am grateful to the club for allowing me to prepare in a fitting manner. That includes a pre-match meal for both home and away fixtures. We test our players fitness levels frequently. That includes body fat levels and regular weight levels' check," he said.

The manager looked on the change in playing personnel and said: "The club is a tight unit which is a must if any club is to survive and progress. In the beginning I inherited a number of players. However, due to the success of the team I am building, those players have departed.

"For future development, I will continue to bring in quality players to strengthen the squad," said Holdsworth.

The latest is centre back Scott Garner, who has had his loan spell from Leicester City extended for another month. His arrival enabled Tom Jones to join Worsop Town on a three month loan, which is likely to provide more first team openings.