UNDER-FIRE Ray Harford has been told by Blackburn Rovers - "Carry on as normal".

The Ewood boss was the subject of protests by supporters during Saturday's defeat by Arsenal.

And, after the game, he intimated he might resign if that was what the majority of people wanted.

But Rovers vice-chairman Richard Matthewman today attempted to clear the air by stressing Harford had the club's full support.

And he also appealed to everyone to unite and help Rovers turn things round.

In the absence of Jack Walker and chairman Robert Coar, Mr Matthewman said that as far as the club was concerned nothing had changed with regard to Harford's position.

"Ray's comments after the game were probably a reaction to the section of supporters who were shouting against him, as well as a disappointing result," said Mr Matthewman, who is also Mr Walker's son-in-law. "He's an honest guy and, as he revealed, he has offered to resign before.

"But we felt he was the man for the job when we appointed him and, after the problems in the first half of last season, he did a great job for the club and turned things round in the second half.

"As far as we are concerned nothing has changed.

"The main problems this season stemmed from Alan Shearer's departure so close to the start and the injuries we have had.

"The reasons for Shearer's departure have been well documented and it was not of Ray's making. He could not have done anything about that, nor could he do anything about the injuries."

Harford not only felt the disappointment of another home defeat on Saturday but was clearly affected by the fact that a large section of supporters shouted for his head - before the protests were drowned out by other fans. "I think he has made it clear he wants to do the job and feels he can do it, providing he has everyone's backing," added the vice-chairman. Harford, a realist, acknowledged that if enough people wanted him out then he would probably have to resign or the board would act.

As he said: "I think it's a case of the majority rules but I hope I am given time."

But he knows that one thing, above all else, must change - results.

Rovers are marooned at the bottom of the Premiership without a single League victory to their name after nine matches.

They have only three points and their next two Premiership fixtures are both away - at Sheffield Wednesday this weekend and West Ham on Saturday week. Mr Matthewman appealed to everyone to rally round and try to help the club out of what is becoming an increasingly desperate situation.

He added:"We need everyone to be united at this time and to come together in the common cause."

Saturday was probably Harford's lowest moment since he came to Ewood with Kenny Dalglish, five years ago to the day on October 12, 1991, and his biggest task at the moment is to instil confidence in the team.

Rovers were playing a full-scale practice game against Tranmere Rovers behind closed doors at Brockhall today, aiming to give players like Graeme Le Saux valuable match action.

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