Houston has no fears despite Bairns’ woes

Peter Houston admits the Falkirk fans are right to boo him and his team right now – but he insists he does not fear for his job.

The Bairns sit joint bottom of the Championship after five games without a win, with Saturday’s 1-1 draw away to Brechin City being met with a chorus of jeers.

Houston acknowledges the start to the league season has been nowhere near good enough and claims he would join in the supporters’ heckles if he was in the stand.

However, after finishing second in the last two campaigns, the former Dundee United manager believes he and his backroom team deserve time to turn things around – and he is convinced the Westfield board feel the same.

The 59-year-old, who has vowed to quit if he does not win promotion next year, said: “I’m not anxious or panicking in any way, because I believe in the players, but I can understand the fans’ point of view.

“I would have been booing as well after that second half at Brechin. I accept criticism and take it when it’s merited and over the last few weeks it’s been merited.

“It’s up to me and the players and the backroom staff to sort that out, and I think we deserve time to sort it out.

“I have no fear for my position. I don’t even sense any directors panicking, because they see what the club has changed into in the last three years – challenging for promotion from a very tough league, getting into the Scottish Cup final.

“So, without even getting told, I feel I’ve got 100% backing from (chairwoman) Margaret (Lang) and the board, because we talk regularly.

“And I think that’s right, if I’m being honest.”