Newport County manager Mike Flynn knows the fans will back his team following a difficult run of form.
The popular manager was left frustrated again at the weekend as Bradford edged out the Exiles by a single goal at Valley Parade. The 1-0 defeat in Yorkshire was Newport’s fourth straight league defeat and leaves them on a run of five without a win.
Despite this, Mike Flynn believes the fans will back his team when they take on struggling Stevenage at the weekend.
“I know the fans will get behind the boys,” said the manager.
“It’s a Newport trait; people back their own, through thick and thin.
“It’s come as shock to them to see two home losses in a row [in League Two] because we’ve not even looked like losing at home before that.
“I accept criticism and I’d rather they shout at me than at the players.
When asked if he had a message for the fans, his response was unequivocal.
“Just get behind us. I’ve never seen booing or moaning after two minutes inspire a team.
“I’m very reasonable. I know how frustrating it can get. But, let’s have a little bit of realism.
“Expectations have grown. We’ve got to handle that and I think we have handled it well, on the whole.
“But we’ve got no divine right to beat anybody in this league, whether it be home or away.”
Flynn did accept he shouldn’t have reacted to fans booing his side in the defeat to Oldham but suggested they need to give his players a chance before venting their frustrations.
“I’ve got absolutely no issue with any fan venting their frustrations,” he said. “They pay their money and they’re entitled to do what they want.
“But after two minutes, it’s disrespectful.
“That’s what got my back up. I shouldn’t have let it get my back up, but it did because these players have given them (the fans) everything since I’ve been in charge.
“It is only the minority, but after one small blip people are moaning after two minutes.
“Try getting behind the team from the off.”
Newport have slipped out of the play-off places but are still just four points behind sixth-place Northampton with two games in hand.