Mike Williamson has responded to public declarations of faith from the top of Carlisle United by saying the club’s “vision” has not changed.

Head coach Williamson, whose side are in FA Cup first round action against Wigan Athletic today, has been backed by United’s owner and a leading supporters’ trust figure this week.

Tom Piatak issued a lengthy statement in which he underlined his belief in Williamson despite recent criticism from fans.

Carlisle United Supporters’ Trust director Matt Spooner also said the club hierarchy remained fully behind the boss following poor recent results and performances.

Williamson said he was well aware of the comments made this week and said the remarks by the senior Blues figures emphasised the “mission” the Piataks are on at Brunton Park.

“It’s something that I'm fully aware of and obviously I have regular dialogue with the chairman [Piatak],” said Williamson.

“He's got a vision and as far as I'm concerned that hasn't changed.

“There's going to be a transitional period and there's going to be things that are easier and harder to focus on.

“But for me, nothing's changed. He [Piatak] is backing his confidence in his mission, and the football club's mission hasn't wavered one bit.”

Carlisle take on Wigan in the FA Cup first round todayCarlisle take on Wigan in the FA Cup first round today (Image: Ben Holmes)

United are hoping for a boost in the Cup today after a dire run of league form which has seen them take two points from their last seven games en route to second-bottom place and four points adrift of safety.

They will today aim for a first win in nine competitions against Shaun Maloney’s Wigan side who sit 19th in League One.

Williamson is likely to have striker Daniel Adu-Adjei back in the squad today after two months out with injury.

United’s boss accepts it will be a tough challenge against higher-division opponents but said the emphasis is on his own side showing improvement on recent displays.

“The focus is on us improving and making sure that we are getting better regardless of the form and the feeling,” Williamson added.

“We know how difficult it's going to be – the challenge [against Wigan] we've already experienced a couple of weeks ago [in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy] and we know how difficult that was.

“I feel that it's going to be a different tie [this weekend] which will be important.

“Of course, it's a fantastic competition and we want to progress; we want to win a football game and that's the main thing.

“It breeds that imagination if you can get through and be in the hat for the next draw.

“But our focus is on making sure that we turn up and we start as fast as we possibly can.”