Southend United manager Rob Newman today offered Blues fans the chance to question him face to face.

Some fans have been calling for the Shrimpers chief's head following Saturday's 1-0 defeat at fellow Third Division strugglers Carlisle.

Upwardly mobile - Rob Newman points to the direction he wants to see Southend United heading during the 1-0 defeat at Carlisle on Saturday Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

This latest setback -- the Seasiders' ninth loss in 12 league outings -- left Blues 17th in the basement league and falling ever closer to the relegation zone.

Newman said he understood the supporters' frustrations and added he was more than happy to answer his critics in person.

"I've always been happy to talk things over with the fans," he said. "And I don't just mean when they're good, I mean the bad times as well.

"Throughout my long playing career I've always been approachable and have talked to supporters about the team as well as my own performance after games. And I'm more than happy to do the same now.

"We have been going through a rough patch recently, but nobody will work harder for this club to turn things around than me and my two coaches, David Crown and Steve Tilson.

"All of us have played for Southend and we love the club.

"Nobody wants to be more successful than me and I want to make things good for the fans here."

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Published Wednesday, January 8, 2003

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