Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy has called upon supporters to direct any frustrations they have at him and get behind the players for two crunch Christmas home games.

The Blues host Fulham today (3pm), with a bumper festive crowd of around 20,000 expected at Portman Road, then welcome Bristol City on Friday night (7.45pm ko).

McCarthy was lauded for turning around a club that seemed destined for relegation into one that finished in the Championship play-off places within his first three years in charge.

However, things have gone stale throughout a 2016 full of non-events, attendances are rapidly dwindling, the atmosphere is often flat and cheers have turned to jeers on occasion.

The mood could quickly become a lot brighter over the coming days though if the inconsistent Blues, who won 3-2 at Wigan on their last outing, could finally string a few wins together and move up a typically congested second-tier table.

Asked what he was going to do to try and entice supporters back, McCarthy, speaking at last Wednesday night’s PLC AGM, said: “I’ll try and get back to entertaining you. It’s not happening at the minute, I get that.

“We’re having a right toil some weeks. It’s not easy, it’s not pretty and it can’t be entertaining for you and I’m not going to suggest it is.

“For three-a-half-years it was entertaining because we were winning games. With the players I’ve got I’ll try and get back to those levels.”

He continued: “If you’re asking me what can you do – well give the players support.

“There is almost a feeling of apathy about the place when we walk out sometimes and that’s no good to anybody.

“A gentleman earlier said he’ll support whatever happens. That’s support.

“If you’re not happy at the end then boo me and jeer me. You’ve spent your hard-earned cash and you’re entitled to do that.

“But give the players your support when they’re on the pitch and make some noise and make it an enjoyable atmosphere.

“Get behind the lads, then, by all means, stay behind and give me pelters if you’re not happy.

“Don’t come with that negative thought in mind, come with the anticipation of a really good game and that we are going to bash somebody at some stage. Let’s hope we do. If we don’t, I’ll stand in the centre circle and you can give it to me as much as you want.”

– Follow @Stuart_Watson on Twitter for live match updates.