CARLTON football director Chris Judd says there's nowhere lonelier now than Brendon Bolton's seat in the coaching box.
But Judd is adamant Bolton has the backing of the club's board after a disastrous 93-point loss to Greater Western Sydney raised fresh questions about his capabilities.
Judd on Monday night echoed comments from club president Mark LoGiudice, declaring Bolton would not be sacked mid-season despite the Blues sitting bottom of the ladder with just one win from nine rounds and four from their last 41 games.
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The dual Brownlow medallist said he and the entire football department deserved scrutiny for the terrible showing on the weekend.
"We've got to provide a really high level of accountability to our coach, but we've also got to be really supportive as well," Judd said on Channel Nine.
Right now, being the coach of the Carlton Football Club is the loneliest place in the world to be in. We are cognisant of that fact.
"He's getting really clear feedback, he knows what the expectations are, and we need to do better.
"I'm disappointed in where the club currently sits and our performance on the weekend was clearly unacceptable."
Sunday's debacle came a fortnight after the Blues also suffered a bruising loss to North Melbourne.
Bolton's job security has been a talking point for much of the past 12 months and Carlton fans are growing increasingly impatient with the club's lack of improvement.
"Right now, I fully expect him to be there for the end of the season and we're planning like he's the long-term coach of this football club," Judd said ahead of Carlton's clash with St Kilda on Sunday.
"I can't guarantee anything. If we lose by 100 points for the next 10 weeks, who knows what's going to happen?
"Right now, the media narrative is this is an issue with Brendon Bolton and the football club. That's not how the club is looking at it internally.
"This is a football department issue that we need to sort out."
Meanwhile, LoGiudice said Bolton's position was secure despite an 'unacceptable' result against the Giants.
"Look, you've got to ask yourself questions, there's no doubt about that, and as a board we’re continually reviewing," he told News Corporation.
"I don’t have a doubt on the coach. I think he’s capable … our support for Brendon Bolton hasn't changed."