Mike Williamson insisted he has “no qualms” with the Carlisle United fans calling for his head – but said he wouldn’t walk away from the challenge.

The Blues head coach faced renewed flak from supporters during and after the 1-0 defeat at Tranmere Rovers.

Many of United’s travelling 1,286 fans at Prenton Park sang, “You’re getting sacked in the morning” as Carlisle fell six points adrift of safety at the bottom of League Two.

It amounts to increased pressure on the head coach, who admitted only results could turn those opinions – but he would not be bowing to calls for him to go.

On the songs and chants, Williamson said: “I've got no qualms about it. I completely understand it.

“I'm standing here as frustrated [as they are], watching that performance of everything we've worked on and what we've tried to do [having not] happened.

“It’s a massive football club and it's a privilege to be here. I'm trying to help and support, so I've got no issues with their message, because we have to win games.

Carlisle's defeat at Tranmere left them six points from safety (Image: Richard Parkes)

“That's the bottom line. It's the only way of turning it around.”

Asked if he would ever consider bowing to the message from fans who are calling for him to go, Williamson said: “No, no. I’ve not done that my whole career, and I still have that belief in this project.

“And whilst these owners [the Piataks] are here, it will only fill me with more belief, regardless of what happens.”

The Piataks were at Prenton Park to watch the Blues' latest defeat, with chief executive Nigel Clibbens and sporting director Rob Clarkson also in attendance.

Williamson accepted Carlisle’s performance at Tranmere was “not good enough” and it highlighted the need for more players to come in, having signed three midfielders already this month.

“We’ve lacked conviction, quality and a belief,” he said.

“I think at the minute we've got lads who are struggling with the weight of the football club and the expectation, and I think that's translated [in today’s game].

“That was unacceptable off the back of two relatively positive performances. The consistency is just not there.”