Underfire Southend United boss Rob Newman vowed to keep on fighting following Saturday's dismal 1-0 defeat at fellow Third Division strugglers Carlisle.

The Seasiders' slump fell to new depths at Brunton Park as Blues' underachievers crashed to their ninth loss in 12 league outings.

Home winger Jon McCarthy's first-half goal lifted the Cumbrians away from the basement league trapdoor, while the 17th placed Shrimpers got sucked closer to a relegation dogfight themselves.

"No one will work harder than myself and my coaching staff to turn things round here," said Newman.

"Defeats hurt nobody at this club more than me as I want to be successful. But I am not looking down as I want to lift us up.

"I know we have lost too many games in such a short space of time. But football management is all about pressure and I can handle it, otherwise I wouldn't be here."

Newman also said it was time for a tactical rethink after the Brunton Park setback.

"It was an important game at Carlisle and I fielded a very experienced side, but we never made the impression I hoped we would," he added.

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Published Monday, January 6, 2003

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