A banner that appeared to aim a pointed message to Carlisle United's struggling team appeared next to the club's training pitch today.

The flag was attached to a fence overlooking the pitch at Brunton Park as an open training session was held on Wednesday morning.

The white sheet was daubed in black with words that appearedn5o say: "We turn up for you - you need to turn up for us."

The banner was attached to railings at the Stony Holme end of the banks overlooking the training pitch.

It was removed by a steward just as the open session got under way.

It is not known who was responsible for the banner.

Its appearance came amid United's struggles in League Two which have seen growing supporter criticism.

The Blues are second-bottom of the table after 14 games, and four points adrift of safety.

The situation has led a growing number of fans to call for head coach Mike Williamson to go after less than two months in charge.

But the Blues boss was publicly backed on Tuesday in a statement from owner Tom Piatak and also a radio interview from Carlisle United Supporters' Trust director Matt Spooner.

The open session on Wednesday, which ran from 10.30am to 12pm, was part of a 'festival of football' - a joint event hosted by the club and Tullie.

Hundreds of fans, including many young supporters and families, attended throughout the day both at Brunton Park and Tullie, with various activities on offer plus an autograph session with Williamson and his squad in the afternoon.

The training session was part of United's preparations for this weekend's FA Cup first round tie against Wigan Athletic at Brunton Park.