Carlisle United‘s Mike Williamson has asked for fans to direct their criticism at him after their latest loss to Cheltenham Town.
The Blues fell once more to defeat after Ethon Archer put the visitors in front after 17 minutes, with former Bradford City keeper Harry Lewis failing to prevent the spin of the ball from going into the back of his net. It marks United’s 10th loss from 14 games in League Two, the most of any side in the division.
“It Starts And Stops With Me”
Williamson has been in the job at Brunton Park for just under two months but has failed to get any sort of momentum in his time in charge. Speaking to the media following this latest setback, the former MK Dons head coach said (Quotes via News & Star):
“People are going to have their opinions. They’re entitled to their opinions. That’s absolutely fine. It starts and stops with me. I take the responsibility.
“I see those lads [the players] in there and I want to take every bit of criticism. I’d love to take all the noise and the cynicism and the pessimism away from them and give them the freedom to play football because it is hard, it’s hostile.
“We will find that fluency and we will build consistency. Then when it does turn, the fans will get on board because the only thing that’s going to get them to buy in and believe after a really difficult 18 months is success on the pitch.”
Fans Voice Their Anger
The mood in Cumbria at the moment is a far cry from the joy seen at Wembley just 18 months ago. Supporters that had remained at Brunton Park following the full-time whistle vented their frustrations, with a video on social media demonstrating how they felt about the recent performances.
Carlisle welcomes Wigan Athletic next weekend as the first round of the FA Cup kicks off, before travelling down to an in-form Salford City seven days later.
Writer’s View
Mike Williamson seems to have lost the fans’ faith over recent weeks and it is clear to see why with the results not really changing since the start of the season. It feels that a decision could be imminent, bringing to an end his tenure just under two months after being appointed. From how well the club is looking off the pitch, that is really being let down by what is happening on the field.
Football journalist with The Real EFL since 2023. A 2024 Multimedia Journalism graduate from the University of Salford, Lewis specialises in Salford City FC and EFL coverage.
