Under fire Warrington Wolves CEO Karl Fitzpatrick happy to receive criticism as club looks to fix dismal form

Warrington Wolves chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick insists he is happy to take flak from irate supporters if it helps to take the pressure off Daryl Powell and his misfiring players. Fitzpatrick faced calls for his head from some fans during last Friday’s dismal defeat at Hull Kingston Rovers, which marked a fifth straight defeat in all competitions.

There has been criticism of his tenure but the former player says he has no problem with being targeted by abuse on social media or at games. “I totally get the frustrations of the fans,” Fitzpatrick told Rugby League Live.

“If abuse being aimed at me means that the pressure is going to be taken away from the team and the coach, so that they can play with freedom, then I can accept that. I’m willing to take that because this is a position which comes with great responsibility and there are big expectations at Warrington.

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“That’s great, so I totally get the frustrations and I share those frustrations too, but I’m working damn hard to turn it around. Look, having abuse levelled at me is not nice because no-one likes that – I’ve had personal e-mails telling me where to go.

“But I’ve been in professional sport a long time and I get it. People are passionate and if it takes the pressure off the coach and players, that’s fine.”

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Fitzpatrick accepts the start to the season has been unacceptable for one of the richest and most ambitious clubs in the game. Powell replaced Steve Price during the off-season and his arrival encouraged hopes of a genuine title challenge this year. But the Wolves were recently dumped out of