Caretaker Steven Rudd says the faith of Carlisle United’s fans in tough times is appreciated – and will be rewarded in the long run.

The Blues are back at Brunton Park this weekend when they take on Fleetwood Town.

It comes at a time United are sorely in need of a positive afternoon after four defeats from their first five league games sees them third bottom of League Two.

With the club continuing the process of recruiting a new sporting director and head coach, it is shaping up to be the third - and potentially final - game under the interim leadership of Rudd, Mark Birch and Jamie Devitt.

The Blues are likely to appoint a sporting director first with that process understood to be at a more advanced stage.

Rudd, though, will face the media this afternoon with the big decisions yet to be confirmed by Carlisle.

United have lost their first two games under the caretakers 2-1 in league and cup in spite of certain positive aspects in performance.

Carlisle's results, though, remain poor and after nearly 1,800 travelling fans gave vocal support at Bradford City last weekend, Rudd says it will be all the more rewarding when the faithful are able to share in better times again.

“The good times will come, the results will turn, because we've got good players,” said Rudd.

“It's just small steps at the moment, and I get that it's frustrating – it's more frustrating for us, believe me, with the long sleepless nights and whatever else – but please, stick with the group, stick with the club, and let's keep the positivity going as much as we can.

Steven RuddSteven Rudd (Image: Martyn Haworth)

“We understand it's difficult, but when times do change, it'll be worth it in the end.”

United’s caretakers hope to welcome back Aaron Hayden and Daniel Adu-Adjei this weekend after both players missed the 2-1 defeat at Valley Parade.

They also hope Terell Thomas will be able to continue in the side after his second-half substitution with a hamstring problem.

But Ben Williams looks set to miss out, with the Blues soon expected to comment further on the extent of the knee injury that saw him leave Bradford on crutches after his 11th-minute substitution.

Cameron Harper looks likely to come in for his home league debut against a Fleetwood side sitting 17th after a win, two draws and a defeat from four games so far under boss Charlie Adam.

The kind of support seen on the road and at home so far is reassuring, added Rudd, and appreciated by everyone involved.

“The fans are absolutely excellent, credit to them,” he said.

“They've backed the lads, they've backed everybody, the club, so we can only thank them.

“There's nobody, including the players, wanting to turn the results around more for them than us as a football staff.

“The lads are hurting, they could hear the fans before the Bradford game in the changing room, and it does make a massive difference.

“Once the results turn, we can enjoy it with them more. But right now the players are hurting, so if the fans can stick behind the lads, that would be excellent, and really get behind them and help us turn these results around.”