Carlisle United head coach Mike Williamson is hoping to convince supporters he is the right man for the job following calls for him to be sacked after a defeat against Morecambe on Boxing Day.
The Cumbrians are staring down the barrel of a second successive relegation and currently sit bottom of League Two. They headed into the home clash with Morecambe having lost just one of their previous six outings but a Gwion Edwards strike for the Shrimps sae Carlisle move to the bottom of the table.
Williamson only arrived at Brunton Park from MK Dons in September, but has endured a miserable time in the North West. He has just two league wins to his name, the last of which came at Salford City in November.
The latest loss saw fans start to lose faith, with boos ringing out across the stadium at full time. They take on Accrington Stanley this afternoon in a huge six-pointer, with the Lancashire-based side four points above their relegation rivals in 22nd.
Williamson Hoping For Upturn In Results
Williamson knows that Carlisle’s precarious position means he is in the firing line, but is hoping to change that in the coming weeks. Speaking to Carlisle News & Star, the 41-year-old said:
“I can completely understand their frustration and their anger, but for me, the only way of convincing them is getting results.
“We’ll not be able to say anything that is going to change people’s minds. I hope that when we do turn it around and we are winning games, then their opinions are able to change.
“I’ve got a job and I’m going to watch the game right now, just look at what’s available and now my focus is on lifting the boys. I don’t have to lift myself, I’ve got to lift the boys. As a coach and staff, we’ve got to do everything we possibly can.”
Writer’s View
There is still an awful lot of football to be played this season and Carlisle still hold their fate in their own hands. However, defeat against Accrington this afternoon could make Williamson’s job untenable as fans turn on the head coach. Losing successive games against teams that are also in the relegation battle could prove disastrous. A win would ease the pressure for now but with two away games on the horizon in the New Year, three points later today is an absolute must.
Head of Writing
