Video - Hull KR 12 Wakefield Wildcats 14: Success on pitch will not come overnight, says Brian Smith

But he insisted supporters expecting an instant turnaround in fortunes need a reality check as he looks to lift the doom and gloom associated with his club over the years.

“I speak to our fans, who expect some sort of a lightning bolt that will transform Wakefield,” Smith said. “It just doesn’t work like that.

“This was not one of those days – it’s a nice reward for the players for their hard work.

“It’s an accumulation of trying to get the best out of each other, day after day.

“It can’t be like this club has been – as poor as it’s been, at times.

“We can’t just flick a switch. It’s going to take a sustained long-term approach.”

Smith praised the spirit within his squad to keep the hosts to 12 points in front of their own fans at the KC Lightstream Stadium.

“There is something about our group, as a group together, and I see that most days,” Smith explained.

“There is a good togetherness and toughness about them and they might shock everybody as the season goes on.

“We can make ourselves into a really decent team and it will be because of those qualities, not a miracle.”

Rovers coach Chris Chester believes a short turnaround before hosting St Helens on Friday night will benefit his side as they look for their first win of the season.

He blamed a slow start for their second successive defeat in Super League.

“I’m the leader of this team and we’re in it together,” Chester said.

“We’ve got a short turnaround, which is good as we try and put things right for the next game.

“I can’t put finger on why we were so poor for the first 40 to 50 minutes.

“It’s disappointing, the way we played.

“I’m disappointed with myself and the players, with the exception of George Lawler,” he added.

“We’re making too many errors down their end of the pitch, trying to force the pass and not coming up with the right option.”