Mark Hughes says he would never take issue with Carlisle United’s fans despite some of the bitter scenes that accompanied the Blues’ defeat to AFC Wimbledon.
There were further signs of the bond between team and supporters breaking both in the closing stages and after Saturday’s 2-1 loss at Brunton Park.
Some fans cheered when Jordan Jones’ number went up and the winger was substituted in the second half.
And there were some angry exchanges involving certain players and supporters when the team left the pitch.
Head coach Hughes, though, said United’s fans have given his side consistently superb backing in spite of the team’s predicament at the foot of League Two.
Asked about the risk of the bond fracturing in light of the above incidents, Hughes said: “Well that can happen, but the fans have been great with us.
“I have to say, even [on Saturday] it was really disappointed for us, but we had good support.
“So I'll never question them. We've just got to give them more, that's the reality.
“You saw after we scored they were right behind us, so it doesn't take a great deal just to get them back on side, so that's what we'll endeavour to do.”
Saturday’s events followed an incident after the previous weekend's defeat at Harrogate Town when a Blues fan boarded the team coach to vent his anger.
United, rock bottom of League Two, are now nine points from safety with just ten games left in what appears an increasingly forlorn bid to remain in the EFL.
Many fans are now writing off their chances of clinging onto their League Two status, with United facing two more Brunton Park fixtures next – against Bromley next Saturday and then MK Dons four days later.
United head coach Mark Hughes (Image: Ben Holmes)
Hughes, meanwhile, has explained why Manchester United loan striker Joe Hugill was left out of Saturday’s squad.
“I had to make a choice on strikers,” he added.
“Georgie Kelly gives us something different. He's back from a long injury and he's got good experience and he's a handful.
“It's important that we get him on the pitch and there's a lot of opportunity for him.
“Cedwyn [Scott] did OK in the games that he's played and probably feels he's unlucky to go out of the team.
“Those are the decisions I have to make when you've got a big squad. I've got to get the combinations right.”
