Brian Talbot has lavished praise on chairman Firoz Kassam - and issued a warning to his players that they face a test of endurance as winter approaches.

A six-game unbeaten run has lifted United to seventh in the table and into the League Two play-off places, and that despite them having played seven away and just five at home.

"We've done OK," Talbot said. "You always reflect and maybe think we should have done slightly better, but every team can look at defeats they feel should have been draws and draws they feel should have been wins. Over a season I think it evens itself out.

"There's been a steady improvement to our performances and obviously we've got to be pleased where we are.

"But it's a marathon not a sprint and a lot of clubs and teams don't carry the season through, they are not mentally strong enough.

"It's a test of endurance and I've said that to the players."

With 12 league games gone, Talbot was delivering his quarter-term report, and he had a special word of praise for chairman Firoz Kassam who, he says, has been very supportive of everything he's done.

"I want to tell the fans that I thank the chairman for his support, for letting me get on with the job and with not interfering.

"When I've needed players he's let me bring them in. Of course, I knew about his reputation and I have to get results, but I know for a fact that he's so keen for this club to do well.

"I'm pleased for him at times when we have won.

"He is very, very keen on taking this club forward."

Talbot added: "I don't see a lot of him, to be honest. We talk on the phone a lot, though, and he's supported me in most things I've wanted to do. Not everything, but then I wouldn't expect that.

"He let me bring in five players in the summer, then Eric Sabin before the transfer window closed.

"David Oldfield, Charlie (Greig) the physio and all the staff have been good.

"I've also been pleased with how the new players have mixed in and the spirit has been good."

Talbot admitted he had worked hard with his players in the last three weeks on the defensive side of their game.

Now that the goals-against tally per game had been reduced, he hoped improvements would come in boosting their goals-for column.

But Talbot has warned his squad that he would not ease off on their workload.

"I won't let up with my players," he insisted.