FORMER Newport County AFC star Lee Evans says disgruntled fans should get off Justin Edinburgh’s back.

The County manager has been the target for criticism as the club’s League Two promotion push has faltered since Christmas.

Some Exiles fans booed the team off after defeat to AFC Wimbledon last week when Edinburgh was also involved in a slanging match with a small number of supporters.

And a record of just seven points from 33 available since the Boxing Day win at Wycombe has led to criticism of Edinburgh’s tactics and the style of football played on the poor Rodney Parade surface.

But they remain just six points off the top seven with two games in hand and Evans, who left County to join Wolves in January 2013, says some fans need to have a little perspective on the situation.

“I don’t think Justin Edinburgh is getting the credit he deserves at the moment,” said the 19-year-old.

“He’s the best thing to happen to that club for a long time and I’ve seen a few people criticising him and the team but they’ve got to remember where they were two years ago.

“While they’re still in touch with the play-offs you never know, it could be back-to-back promotions.

“If they win those games in hand they’ll be in the top seven and you’ve got to ask the County fans did they think they’d be in the League Two play-offs two years ago?

“I’ve got the utmost respect for him and I can’t thank him enough for what he did for my career,” he added.

“I still remember my debut at Cambridge on a cold Tuesday night like it was yesterday and I hope he keeps doing well and keeps the club going upwards.”

Evans also has his sights set on promotion to the Championship with Wolves.

After a long period out of the side at Molineux the Newport-born midfielder returned to the starting XI with a goal in the 2-0 win over Preston in January.

And since he returned to the fold Wolves have won seven on the trot to storm to the top of League One.

“It was very frustrating not playing but the manager had a plan for me,” he said. “He brought me back in at the right time and you have to respect his decisions.

“With the run we’re on at the moment it’s looking good but we need to maintain that form and make sure we get back in the Championship where a club like Wolves belongs.”