Neal Bishop has backed both David Kevan and Tommy Johnson after it was revealed that they would continue to control first team affairs for the rest of the season.

The former Barnet captain joined in the summer and has already seen two managers, Ian McParland and Hans Backe, leave the club.

Fixtures in the coaching staff, Johnson and Kevan, however, have been involved throughout the whole season.

And Bishop believes that their presence has helped them through some testing times this campaign.

He said: "Having them there, with managers coming and going, has helped things.

"They took the training from day one and they still do it to this day.

"The manager changing hasn't helped, but having them there has cushioned the blow.

"We've worked hard together and we've worked hard on the training pitch.

The backroom staff have been fantastic and I think we're reaping our rewards."

The Magpies take on Grimsby tonight at Meadow Lane. Kick-off is at 7.45pm.