I won’t walk away!

It comes after some sections of the Galabank crowd called for the player-manager to depart following a poor start to the season which was topped by a 6-0 trouncing home loss to Clyde. This leaves Annan in eighth spot in League Two with only five points from their opening six matches.

But when asked if he was contemplating resigning from his post, Gibson returned the question with an adamant answer.

“No, because one thing I’ll say is that I stick by my principles,” he said.

“When I commit to something, I commit 100 per cent to it. I’ve got staff in there who I’ve asked to come in and support me, it wouldn’t be fair to them.

“If the fans aren’t happy then I respect that because sitting where we are in the league at the moment isn’t good enough.

“If the board aren’t happy then that’s a decision they have to make.

“I look at the Clyde game and if I was a punter I’d be raging and calling for the manager’s head. That’s what I’ve got to accept.

“I told the players after the match that not one of them got stick from a fan but I got it. I’m big enough and been involved in the game long enough to know it’s part of the job.

“But if you ask me if the players are doing enough then the answer is 100 per cent no.”

He added: “My assistant used it as a term during half time on Saturday. He said that they are flinging the manager under the bus.

“It’s a tough one because see when you’re hurting and you don’t see players hurting the same way, it’s so frustrating. You can’t make players care and want it as much as you do, that’s the frustrating part.

“I’ll keep working away, I know I’m giving it everything. I’m working as hard as I can, above and beyond what a manager is here at Annan. I put my hand to everything and I’ll keep doing that until I’m told I’m not needed.

“I’m angry and embarrassed. It’s not good enough. I’m starting to get a bit of stick and abuse from our own fans. That comes with the territory.”

Gibson says he knows full well what improvements in the squad are needed but finances at the club means they have to make do with what he has his disposal to turn it around.

He added: “I took the job fully understanding the circumstances.

“We are where we are financially as a club and it’s tough because I know where the improvements are needed but I don’t have the finances to do that.”

After the Galabank horror show, Gibson has called on his players for a marked improvement when they travel to Forfar on Saturday.

He said: “If you look at the Clyde game as a whole there’s six individual mistakes that lead the defeat.

“Yes, I’m playing but I can’t legislate for other players’ errors.

“Their first goal gave them a lift and our confidence drained out of us.

“Being 4-0 down at half time on our own pitch is unacceptable.

“The players’ heads went down too quickly and early. The mentality at times is too weak and soft.

“After the Clyde match, I told them I was embarrassed and disappointed. I don’t think losing the plot helps anything.

“Sometimes players need to go just away and have a look in the mirror. I know Tam Muir and Scott Hooper (captain and vice captain) spoke to the players in the dressing room afterwards. I think some players think they are doing enough but they need a reality check. It’s a very disappointing day.

“I’m honest in saying that for the first few games of the league season we didn’t get what we deserved from them. But we were miles off it against Clyde and we need to improve if we want to bounce back against Forfar.”