Ross County manager Jim McIntyre believes criticism from supporters is justified following the Staggies’ dismal recent form.
County are without a win in their last nine games and in the relegation play-off position and just a point above bottom side Dundee.
McIntyre, pictured, who led the Highlanders to the League Cup last season, believes this is his most difficult time since he replaced Derek Adams at Victoria Park in September 2014 but wants faith from supporters.
McIntyre said: “We had fantastic success last season and we were all in it together.
“When things are not going so well is when we need the supporters to get right behind the team. That said I know we have to give them something to shout about. It’s a two-way street.
“Our supporters are the same as others. When things are not going well they will voice their displeasure. I understand that and take it on the chin, but we need to stick together because it will turn. We will start to get positive results again. I have no doubt. We need to ensure we give ourselves the opportunity.
“This is probably the first sticky spell I have had at this club. When we got the job Billy Dodds and I were trying to get our own squad together, but the last eight games have not been good enough and we know that.
“We have had a tough run of fixtures, but there have been games where we should have done better and picked up points in. There’s nobody here hiding from that fact.”
Despite facing second-placed Rangers at Dingwall in the next match on Sunday, McIntyre remains confident his side will turn it around, and he added: “The first thing we have to do is give ourselves a chance in games.
“We have to start putting our chances away. We had chances against Celtic last Wednesday and against Motherwell on Saturday. That final part of our game has not been right.
“At both ends of the pitch we are struggling.
“There is absolutely no doubt that will change. It will definitely turn.
“I believe we have a very good squad.
“Right now, we are under-performing and it is my job to get us back up and running.
“The players are certainly working as hard as they can, but our concentration levels need to be better and we need to make good decisions at the key moments in matches.”