Carrick’s position was called into question in the wake of Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat to Watford, but Boro chairman Steve Gibson will not be changing head coach despite his side’s recent poor run.
The home fans at the Riverside booed the players off at the final whistle at the weekend, but Carrick appreciated the support they showed throughout the game, even though his team were clearly lacking confidence as they searched unsuccessfully for an equaliser.
Boro head to Ashton Gate on Friday looking to close the four-point gap that currently separates them from the play-off positions, and Carrick is hoping the travelling support will continue to be vocal backers of his players.
“I understand (the boos at the weekend),” said the Boro boss, whose side were beaten by Bristol City at the Riverside in October. “But they got behind the boys, particularly at the start of the second half.
“I understand it’s a difficult situation – a tough situation for all of us. Again, there is no way of sugarcoating it. It’s tough and we’ve all got our own responsibilities. I get the disappointment of fans, totally understand it. But I thought their support of the boys, particularly in the second half, was great.”
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Carrick remains confident he can arrest his side’s current slump and guide them into the play-offs, and his faith is clearly shared by the Boro hierarchy, who have opted against making a change of head coach.
Gibson is understood to regard the current gap to the top six as bridgeable, but with just 14 more games to play, it is surely imperative the Teessiders claim at least something on Friday given that Bristol City will start the night two points ahead of them in the table.
There is clearly unity between the hierarchy and coaching staff, hence the decision to back Carrick rather than sack him, and the former England international is hoping a sense of togetherness and shared purpose will extend to the stands.
“These moments are the ones when the boys need the support the most,” he said. “That (during Saturday’s game) was when I felt for the boys the most. You could see them really trying, and it just wasn’t happening for us. The supporters, like they did, support the boys even more, and it can make a real difference.”
