There was no hiding from Boss Karl Robinson despite defeat at home to Barnsley last night.
“I thought throughout the whole course of the game there was very little in it,” he told iFollow. “I think early on they had the best chance in the first ten minutes, we got caught with the wind with that straighter ball in behind. We then almost caught them two or three times but it didn’t drop to us in the right areas, one or two long throws or corners we could have done more with. It was a bit of a stalemate when we went in at half time, but we didn’t think there was anything between the two sides.
“We started the brighter in the second half, their goal come a little bit against the run of play even though it was still relatively even, and then I think from there on lesser people would have crumbled. I think it showed what the team believes in: they believe in each other. Okay, results aren’t great and we accept responsibility for that, but I don’t think you can see a team out there that’s thrown the towel in or doesn’t believe in what’s trying to be achieved short, medium or long term.
“I said to the players before the game that I’ve always had good people around me on and off the pitch; family have always been there, work colleagues and friends, and there’s no negativity going on behind us internally and the players are exactly the same. They all believe in each other and know they can make mistakes knowing their teammates will be that comfort blanket and that will be a necessity now more than ever because the fans have that right to have that criticism.
“The fans are right at the end of the game to criticise me, that’s part of the responsibility I accept as a manager. I take that, people having a go at me, that’s part of football. You have to win, people will like you, if you don’t, they won’t.
“I thought the fans stuck with the players and they’re the most important people. The players and the fans will always be centre stage. It’s their club and their players. Managers are just like conductors every now and then trying to make little things right and keep the players motivated to keep doing the right things.
“We just have to make sure we stay strong and stick together.”