Williamson on criticism and a positive Blues fans forum
Mike Williamson said he does not take any stick “personally” as he reflected on a show of unity at Carlisle United’s fans’ forum.
Days after travelling fans chanted for his head, the head coach faced supporters along with fellow members of the cub hierarchy.
Williamson’s handling of the event in a difficult period has attracted praise with the Blues boss also offering some honest moments of self-reflection at the United Lounge forum.
The head coach accepts that only results, ultimately, will fully build bridges but he felt the way he and his colleagues were able to express their views was still vital.
Williamson was joined at the top table on Tuesday by sporting director Rob Clarkson, owner Tom Piatak, first-team coach Ian Watson, chief executive Nigel Clibbens and supporters’ trust director Matt Spooner.
“I think that's why it was so important – because any area where we can unite and build and the supporters can see and hear from myself and the owners and Rob, is really important,” said Williamson.
“I think more often than not, it's really important for the players and potential signings to hear that as well. I think that message is really important.
“Of course there's uncertainty surrounding the football club with the change and the position in the league, which is obvious, but for me it's about making sure that we're doing everything we possibly can to get those boys on the pitch and give us every possibility of winning the game.
“Because that is the only remedy that's going to get us out of the situation, and that will appease the fans.
“I have come out a number of times and said I can understand [the criticism] and I don't take anything personally. I know it's all on a professional point, so the abuse is what it is. It's absolutely fine for me.
“My concern is the carry-over it has on the players and the weight that they carry.
A number of travelling Blues fans changed for Williamson's head last weekend (Image: Richard Parkes)
“I think there's a lot of positives that came out of it. Hopefully we can back it up [with wins].”
Williamson used the forum to explain in more detail his tactical approach, as well as shed more light on his personality, the head coach admitting he is a “shy” individual who does not enjoy post-match interviews, but did relish the chance to speak to fans in the forum environment.
“I do genuinely enjoy them,” he said. “I've stated that in terms of interviews, it's not the most enjoyable, especially when after a game it is hard.
“But the actual interaction and the conversations, I think it's really important to have, especially in this period.
“It probably is the hardest time to have them, but the most important. For me, I enjoyed that. I enjoyed speaking afterwards too, hanging around and chatting to the fans, but our job is now backing up.
“We've obviously come out and said what we've said, but now the players are back through the door working really hard. We’ve just got to make sure we continue to be fully prepared.”
