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Rovers find themselves in the relegation zone after a run of 1 win in 12 under Jepson's reign and having lost the last 8 games on the bounce. Whilst the chances of survival might be considered slim by many given the recent run and amount of games left, the interim management team will be "fighting to the death" to reverse the club's fortunes.

"It's certainly been a challenging week for us all but having spoken to the players at training on Tuesday, they understood that the decision made to part company with Jeppo was just football," said Norton.

"The main thing for us is to bring some confidence back into the group. When you've lost several games in a row, heads drop and players can go into their shells a little bit and hide, and that's natural. Our job is to lift the players, remind them of what they're capable of, and set us up in a way that makes us hard to beat. We'll go back to basics, play to our strengths, and make sure we're giving everything in every match."

Norton has moved swiftly to strengthen the squad, adding 4 new recruits in key areas, while also being boosted by returning players.

"Given the situation with our squad, we have tried to add some new energy to the group by making some signings in areas of the pitch we felt were needed," said Norton. "I know there's been a lot of player turnover this season, which hasn't helped us find consistency, but we had to act as the squad needed additions. When you're constantly changing the squad as Jeppo did for a variety of reasons, it's tough to build partnerships, develop teamwork and spirit, and maintain momentum. However, looking at our options and with the signing deadline approaching, we needed to act fast to bring in reinforcements. The lads we've brought in are here to help immediately, and we believe they are exactly the right type of characters for the fight we're in. We also welcome back a few lads who were missing last week and a couple of others who have been out for several weeks, so hopefully the squad is in better shape than it perhaps it was this time last week."

The club has welcomed defender Jacob Sturgess back in a player/coach capacity, alongside new signings defender Max Jemson, midfielder and utility player Mitchell White, and striker Sam Lockley. The squad is further strengthened by the return of Alby Lansdowne and Oscar McLure, who both missed last weekend's game against Harrowby United, plus longer-term absentees Jack Bostock and Tarun Rohilla.

Jack Andrews is unavailable due to an injury sustained last weekend and Norton confirmed that both Lewis Carr and Will Scothern have departed the club. Midfielder Toby Smith, who was with Rovers on a dual form agreement, has been recalled by Mickleover. Osiris McDonald requires knee surgery in the coming weeks, but there's more positive news regarding Kane Lee, who is nearing fitness after completing extensive running work. He is expected to resume team training next week and could be available for the last 5 games of the season.

Norton also confirmed that neither of the Burton Albion work experience loanees will be involved tomorrow or for the remainder of the campaign. With tomorrow set to be the last weekend they were available on the initial agreement, Norton has decided not to include either Spencer Cooke or Cyprian Mtenga in the matchday squad and won't be looking to renew the arrangement. "We extend our thanks to Burton for allowing us to have Spencer and Cyprian with us these last few weeks," Norton explained. "It's certainly no reflection on them as they are talented players, but when I was looking at the balance of the overall squad, I didn't want to try to extend their stays unless I could guarantee they would get a lot of game time and in our current predicament - that wasn't something I could guarantee."

Norton had the following message for the club's long-suffering supporters: "Over the last 3 seasons, despite our struggles, the vast majority of our supporters have been incredible and have continued to back the team in huge numbers. We now need them behind us more than ever over the next few weeks if we are to stand any chance of survival. I know results and performances haven't been acceptable, especially recently, but this is a time as a club we need everyone coming together as one to show what Gresley Rovers Football Club is about. We need to show collective fight, spirit and desire as a team, as a club, and as a community and my job over the next 6 games is to ensure that every player putting on that Rovers shirt gives absolutely everything they can to the cause and we will see where that takes us," he continued. "That's all myself and our supporters can ask of them in the remaining games we have."