Swindon Town caretaker boss David Byrne has labelled the armchair supporters who have criticised him and his players as anoraks, idiots and morons following Saturday’s draw against Carlisle United.

The former youth team coach has taken offence at comments on internet forums from fans around the world who base their opinions on media reports rather than attending the matches in person.

Byrne says the time has come to make a stand against the negativity emanating from the world wide web and feels the people responsible do not belong at the football club.

“Ever since I’ve taken over the response from the boys has been absolutely brilliant and I’ll always reflect back to these idiots that sit behind their screens at home, plastering out that the boys are playing with no confidence etc,” he said.

“I don’t see them as Swindon Town supporters, excuse my French but I just see them as sh*t stirrers and as far as I’m concerned it doesn’t help in any way or form.

“What I don’t understand is how people that don’t even come to the game that can make an opinion and it just gets rights under your skin and if I have to come out and name these idiots then I will.”

Bryne took particular offence at the reaction to his decision to substitute young debutant Callum Kennedy and replace him with Kevin Amankwaah towards the end of the game.

Some messages on the internet had blasted the former Millwall player as the youth team graduate had performed impressively until that point, but Byrne says that anyone who was at The County Ground will understand the logic behind the move.

“It was great to see Jerel Ifil and Callum come through a game with flying colours and again, for those anoraks that sit behind their screens, Callum Kennedy came off because he couldn’t do any more,” he said.

“His calf was like a cricket ball and again those that were at the game would be able to see that.

“I’m just sick and tired of all the negativity that these idiots throw at the club and it’s about time someone said something about them and that’s what I’m quite prepared to do.”

Swindon have lost just one game during Byrne’s second temporary spell in charge of the first team but are yet to record a win in the five league games.

On three occasions, including Saturday, they have been denied victory by a last-minute goal to leave them in the mire above the relegation zone.

“You can’t do anything about the forums. A majority of them are fairly constructive but there is the few morons, donuts, whatever you want to call them and they’re the ones that really get under my skin,” he said.

“The ones that don’t attend the games and feel free to comment and pass judgement on players etc, they’re the ones that Swindon Town don’t need.”