John Eustace has urged Blackburn Rovers fans to help create a 'family environment' and block out negativity around the club.
Rovers gave their survival hopes a big boost on Easter Monday by beating Sunderland 5-1 at The Stadium of Light. They produced their best Championship performance of the calendar year, ending a four-month wait for an away win in the process.
Understandably, there has been anxiety around the club about the threat of relegation after a run of two wins in 21 matches, prior to the Sunderland win. However, that victory and the manner of the performance in the North East has renewed hopes of a positive end to the season.
Eustace insists nobody should get carried away by the victory but feels there have been clear improvements. He wants the fans, staff and players to unite and block out any negativity for the remainder of the season.
READ MORE: Eustace's praise for two Rovers players
"I think everyone can see the improvements we've made," Eustace told The Lancashire Telegraph.
"I came in for the Stoke game the day before, I might not have been there on the Friday but I was there on Saturday and influenced the results with great work from our staff.
"It's very, very important that we can see the progress the team and the club are making. The only way we do that is to do that together, the fans, the players, the staff. We have to create a family environment, that's what I wanted from the start.
"It's very easy to get carried away with negative energy that other people bring to teams that are struggling at the bottom. They are looking for reasons to have a go at a group of players or a team, rather than say 'They're doing alright, they're making small steps in the right direction'.
"Today is another step in the right direction. There are six games to go and it's very important that nobody gets carried away with the result. We are making good progress and we're working hard."
In the 11 matches prior to Eustace's appointment, Rovers had taken five points, conceding 27 times and registered a goal difference of minus 16.
Since then, they've taken 12 points, halved their goals against column to 14 and registered a plus-three GD. Whilst the results haven't always followed performances, Eustace is confident they will if they continue to improve.
"I feel like we have been doing all the right things. It's very, very important that nobody gets carried away with the highs and the lows," he added.
"That's something I believe in, over 46 games in the Championship season, you get what you deserve. That's why it's very important to stick together through all the difficult moments and enjoy these moments.
"We'll be back in tomorrow, rest on Wednesday and prepare properly for a tough game on Saturday."
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