Fulham boss issues appeal to angry fans

Rene Meulensteen implored Fulham supporters to get behind the team after they crashed out of the FA Cup at home to League One strugglers Sheffield United.

The Whites produced another dismal home display, losing the fourth-round replay 1-0 after a goal in the dying moments of extra time, and Meulensteen described it as their worst performance since he took charge.

Fulham, bottom of the Premier League, were booed off the pitch at the final whistle but the head coach promised they will do everything they can to improve.

“The most important thing for the fans to know is that I understand their frustration,” he said.

“I think everyone associated with the club will feel the same, but the most important message I can give to them is to not to add to the problems we already have.

“We need them to be part of the solution; to stick together and support the team and the players. As soon as the players really start to feel they’re on them, then there will be a bigger problem.

“We need the fans the most at these times. It’s all hunky dory when things are going well, but that’s why they’re called supporters. We need their support.”

Shaun Miller’s strike gave the Blades a thoroughly deserved victory – they were unlucky not to win the game in normal time.

Meulensteen added: “I think the fans have been brilliant so far and even today it [negativity] wasn’t excessive.

“I think everyone can see we are a team that haven’t got the results we’ve wanted and slipped to the position we have, but we are trying hard to get out of it. There is no direct solution.

“What I can promise them is the work we will put in from day-to-day on the training pitch. We will make sure everything possible is done so that we start to improve.”

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