Carlisle United manager John Ward has said he will bear the brunt of criticism for the club's run of four straight League One defeats.
Saturday's 2-1 defeat at home to Tranmere Rovers brought an angry response from fans - and Ward takes full responsibility for the slump.
"I always take my responsibility and I'll never shirk from that," he told BBC Radio Cumbria.
"I'm the manager and we all take that on our shoulders when we take the job."
The last time Carlisle took three points in the league came in early September with a 2-1 win against Southend at Brunton Park, since when the Cumbrians have slumped to 11th in the table.
But they have an immediate opportunity to restore pride with Tuesday night's trip to Rochdale in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
Carlisle have fared well in previous guises of the competition, appearing in four finals and winning one of them, the Auto Windscreens Shield in 1997. And Ward is fully aware of the impact that a possible cup run could have on the side.
"It's a super competition," he said. "If we can qualify on Tuesday night and go a bit further and get a break with the cup draw then this could go into league form.
"I don't differentiate between cups and leagues, or say 'It doesn't matter'. Games go on and it's no different to any other game for me.
"Particularly now, when we need to pick ourselves up. I want a good performance and I want a win."
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