Manager Paul Hurst was scathing about his side’s performance after they exited the Carabao Cup to Exeter 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

Asked whether he was particularly disappointed with the second half display, Hurst responded: “I was disappointed with the performance in the first half. We can pretend we passed it at times. I think we had a couple more efforts in the second half which tested the keeper more.

“It was too slow, too pedestrian, people were not really playing where they were supposed to. Therefore, didn’t make it anywhere near as fluid as it needed to be.

“I didn’t think we worked hard enough in possession, I didn’t think we worked hard enough out of possession.

“A couple of times, and the players will be shown, Exeter players were running past ours far to easily.

“I’m not having it that they’ve got players who were a lot faster or a lot fitter, stronger or whatever it is.

“So the players will be made aware of that, we’ll go through it. So, not just second half for me.”

He says home truths were told at half-time and at the end: “They needed to be. I’ve said what I am, I’m honest, I say what I think, say what I see. That’s what I saw.

“If we honestly feel that we were anywhere close to what we should be and lost the game, like I said, with all due respect to the players Exeter have got and they put out, it wasn’t their strongest team.

“We should have controlled that game, we didn’t. Another pathetic goal to concede and at the end one or two attacks but too little too late.”

Hurst says he hadn’t seen that display coming following the first two matches: “No, not at all. I made a couple of changes but again I don’t think that’s the contributing factor to that performance.

“I’m massive on the facts of what goes on between your ears and how you approach things and clearly our attitude wasn’t right for tonight.”

Following the game he says the players need to stand up and be counted and show a reaction.

“There are some massive games in front of us that in some ways people will, I dare say, say they’re good games for us, but if we play like that they won’t be good games for us, that’s for sure.

“And it’ll start at training, we’ll see now who wants to step up, who’s going to shy away and not be the type of character that we need moving forward. So yes, a lot of questions to be answered from tonight.”

He dismissed the suggestion that there might be an excuse given it’s a young squad which is in the process of gelling: “No, not at all.”

Are there enough characters in the squad? “That’s what we’ve got to clearly have. As I was just saying, if one or two are trying to ease their way in they’ve got to step up quicker, find their feet, find their voice, find the performances to make a difference and do what they want to do.

“I spoke before about people being at the football club not to be the limit of their ambitions. But performances like that and there’s only one way everyone will go and that won’t be moving on to better things.

“So we’ve got to dig deep, do some soul searching. Again I really like the phrase about looking in the mirror and being honest. Have they given everything? Have they prepared correctly? All of those things.

“Because somewhere along the line clearly something wasn’t right in terms of that performance.”

While most fans will understand it’s going to take time for the team to come together after the summer changes, some will be starting to get concerned after three games without a win at the start of the season.

“Yes, of course, and that’s natural. That performance worries me,” Hurst admitted. “But I don’t think it’s a true reflection of what we’ve got, in all honesty.

“I think we’ve seen that in the other two performances. Take the result aside from Rotherham, the performance for large parts was good and encouraging.

“But that, like I say, was night and day in comparison. I understand people having concerns.”

Will he be getting the players in for extra training in the next few days having flown back this evening?

“The issue is as much as we’re trying to do things right and get back as soon as possible, I’m not sure getting them in tomorrow is particularly the right way forward, so I think we’ll wait until Thursday,” he said.

“But we won’t be not working hard, that’s for sure. Like I said, some of the players will be shown some things as well that are unacceptable and I don’t want to see them again.

“As hard as it was to take losing the game on Saturday, you can get over it slightly because I felt like players gave their all, there were just some moments where we didn’t take advantage. Tonight I didn’t think I saw that.”

Does he believe complacency was a factor, some players perhaps believing they just needed to turn up to win away at a League Two club?

“It looked like that and I’ve got to concentrate on my team so I’ll not take anything away from Exeter, who have had a great pre-season, haven’t been beat, won their first two league games and are a team clearly in confident mood,” he added.

“But I thought we had some bits of play early on that we showed that we should have control of it, we got ourselves in front and then really you’re looking to kick on from that. But I didn’t see any evidence of that.

“We had one or two bits of pressure but at the same time they also looked like they could add to the scoreline.

“So it has to come into it, it’s got to because if we were our best then I think we win the game.”

Does the display change his thoughts regarding further recruitment? “I think every time you set foot on the pitch and you witness things unfolding in front of you, naturally you’re always assessing.

“I’ve got to do that and got some time before Saturday to think about that and what’s the best way forward for us.

“But, yes, it certainly throws up some questions I’ve got to try and answer. Obviously we’re in a position where there’s only so much business we can do and we’ve got to try and get that right.”

Hurst says there’s nothing new on any ins or outs on loan: “Not as we speak now. Like I said, things can happen very quickly but on tonight’s evidence we need more in than we will do, I’m sure.

“But I’m sure I’m expecting some of those players to step up and show they’re much better players than they did tonight.

One positive on the night was the return of Teddy Bishop and Danny Rowe as subs after long spells out.

“Good to get them back out there, they’ve both been missing for some time and in some ways I felt for Teddy in terms of missing the penalty but apart from a natural disappointment he doesn’t need to be too down about that,” he said.

“Yes, if it gets to that stage you want to come out on the right side of it, but it should have been over before that. So I’m pleased for them and a step forward in the right direction for them.”

Are the duo in consideration for the 18 in the Championship? “Again that’s something I’ve got to really give some thought to. Can they give us enough off the bench?

“You don’t have to put them on straight away but if they are on there and something happens, then have we got the options; if it was an early substitution it wouldn’t be one of them.

“That’s part of what I have to consider. I’ll guess I’ll mull that over the next day or two.”

Exeter manager Matt Taylor was delighted that his side claimed the win, believing they got stronger as the game went on.

“Obviously pleased," he said. "First-half I felt we showed them a little too much respect, stood off them a little bit, but still created some good chances.

“The substitutions freshened us up, gave us real fresh legs and we looked like a running team for the last half hour and we probably looked like the stronger team going towards the end.

“We created some good chances. When it goes to pens it's pot luck to be honest with you, but we held our nerve, delighted for the three young boys getting game time.”

Photo: TWTD

itfc94 added 07:20 - Aug 15 PH saying what every fan has been thinking for years! If you're in a seat, don't get comfortable. You have to earn the right to play in that shirt and some of the players have got way to comfortable under MM. I completely trust PH to turn this around. It's much better watching the style of play he's trying to bring back to PR.
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toxtethblue added 07:22 - Aug 15 "We need to splash the cash on a couple of seriously good midfielders.." Ha ha that's a good one! Who'd we sell first?! And don't say we have 5m left from sales, wake up...
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Tractorboy1985 added 07:23 - Aug 15 One question you need to ask yourself mr hurst is why are you playing 1 up front?? Unfortunately we don't have a drogba or a Kane who can play there alone.. pair Jackson and Harrison up.. play with 2 wingers and 1 HOLDING MIDFIELDER!! Best form of defence is attack... after all I thought this is what we were getting when we appointed you! Sort it quickly because as others have said we will be going into the Norwich game sitting at the bottom of the league with 1 point! COYB

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ChurchmanBlue added 07:38 - Aug 15 "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss" - Pete Townsend
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North_London_Blue added 07:45 - Aug 15 The squad isn't as bad as the results have suggested but one up front just doesn't seem to be the answer. What's so bad about 4-4-2 with pace on the wings and power through the middle? PH will need to take a look at himself as well as his players and get over himself about the formation, play something that works even if that means upsetting some players. This will take time and that's absolutely fine but at least for now, two up top makes more sense if we're creating those half chances but not converting. 🤞🏻

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MattinLondon added 07:52 - Aug 15 @naa If it wasn't for Bart we would have been flirting with relegation more the majority of the past two seasons. Yes, Mick put together a decent team but it needed a massive overhaul as it was going downhilll very very quickly. Hurst stated that he has brought in lower league players who, given time and patience , can easily play at championship level if not higher. The key word being patience. The bedding in of players will take time and I for one am willing to allow Hurst to make mistakes and find his way. A section of the support (and I don't mean you) believe that they forced ME hand forcing Mick out in the process and they seem to feel empowered. Such empty headed reactionaries need to know that they aren't in control. Quite frankly if people are being overly critical they can stay away.

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Cloddyseedbed added 07:54 - Aug 15 This season was always going to be a hell of a challenge. Total change of playing staff (nearly),new manager, new playing style, no experience in Championship for Hurst and most of the players. Wasn't a bed of roses for Bobby Robson when he 1st arrived at the club either. Certain players didn't buy into it and fights broke out. Fans called for his head. Yes it does look grim and yes I think too many changes have been made too soon but hopefully we can build a team. Over the last few years we did not. Time will tell but we need to stick together, it will not happen overnight or maybe for a season or 2.

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pazzy added 07:57 - Aug 15 whats hapend to pushing high up the pitch with one up front cant see I
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Swn98 added 08:08 - Aug 15 pencilpete is it better that a manager states Exeter didn't play their strongest team doesn't say much for town does it.
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DJ27 added 08:10 - Aug 15 This is going to be my last post on here, because i cannot believe some of the comments on here. Those moaning about selling our entire strike force. Have you forgotten McGoldrick was out of contract, barely played a game for last 2 seasons and fans moaning that we let him go. Garner - despite the fact there are some issues behind the scenes that we don't know the full story, he wanted to move back to the NW. Despite all that, he was useless. Spent half the time on the floor and moaning at the ref. Yes he ran around a lot, but lets be honest, we have all been crying out to move away from players who can only run around. And Waghorn, was disappointing to lose, but he wanted to go and we have been able to strengthen other areas. And as somebody else pointed out, if it wasn't for Bart and some very good loan signings, we could've been relegated in any of last 3 seasons. Those moaning at signing unproven LG 1 players and wanting experienced Championship players. The best players last night were Edun, Nolan and Jackson. The players who Hurst is probably referrring to are Ward, Sears and Knudsen. All 3 with Championship experience. This team will get better, the new players will make the team better in the long run. Maybe it will take a few months, but if you cant be patient for a few months when we have put up with 5 years of dross then go and 'support' somebody else. To be moaning at transfers, style and players after 3 games says more about you as people and fans. I can't be bothered to read all the negativity anymore. So enjoy your moaning!!

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Swn98 added 08:16 - Aug 15 Its ok slagging off your players in public when you've got 15 players to replace them Hurst hasn't it's brilliant to have the fans behind you no good if you've allianted your small and lets be honest bang average squad.
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grinch added 08:20 - Aug 15 no excuses your team you mamage it just sort it talk is good from you but actions speak louder than words and your team isn't good enough not had a testing team as yet and still come up short you need to sort quickly or we will be playing in your previous league
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robpontin added 08:22 - Aug 15 OMG will everyone stop saying MM did well on a small budget crap that's the press getting into your head news flash Town NEVER have had money and we finished 5th in Prem with no money. PH has done almost what Burley done and as our own young players come through and a couple of adjustments we will move on. I feel the squid is just unfit a lot of people coming back from injury. The real test is can he bring in a striker on loan and if so what kind i never liked MM didn't want him from day 1 but he had contacts in big clubs, let's hope PH has aswell. So this season is all about staying up and to be honest mid table is doable. it's about changing the way players think from MM dull don't lose attitude to a lets try to win and push on.

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TrueBlueRich added 08:23 - Aug 15 DJ27- please keep posting, yours is the best of all summaries re post Exeter game. I share your views completely.
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ITFCZombie added 08:31 - Aug 15 Time... Thats what the players need to gel and the manager requires to get these players believing in the football he and his coaching staff are trying to bring to the club. I dont buy the whole "buy league one players get a league one team" these are players that were at the top of there game and some of the best players in league 1 last year. Surly this is what the majority of fans including myself have been calling out for! a young and hungry squad of players that are playing football rather than Hoofball. This is going to be a roller coaster season of transition but i have the faith that coming into the second half of the season we will see a very strong and talented young squad. competing in the championship. My only concern is that we need better wingers if we are going to stick with 1 striker up front Ward and sears are just not good enough in these positions. come on you Blues...

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Elkcib1 added 08:31 - Aug 15 3 games in!! OMG you lot of clueless. I say well done PH for saying it as it is, letting the players know his thoughts publically on their attitudes and desire. Last year you all condemned MM for not doing it, and now you're slating PH for his ways of recruiting and style! 3 games!!! Come on get a grip!!! Time people time! I work in management (not football) and I move around various towns, and I know you can't turn anything around in a few weeks/3 games!!! What we need is a period of learning, then we will kick on! We won't go down this season, we won't go up, and anyone who thought we would are daft, but next season we will be stronger, and I predict PH will get us to P.O. or top 2 by 20/21. I'll stick by that.....unless of course I'm wrong then I'll hide

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jr1982 added 08:34 - Aug 15 And will people stop moaning about the formation with 1 up top. When played correctly 4231 is Actualy a very offensive formation, it's just taking them time to get to know how ph clearly wants them to play it!
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vanmunt added 08:37 - Aug 15 Ironic all these posts about signing lower league players and needing experience when Knudson, Chambers and Sears have been by far the worse performers this season. Really disappointing from Town, come on Paul Hurst, sort it out.
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brittaniaman added 08:37 - Aug 15 Let us all hope that we can pull something out of the bag on Saturday, it will be the first championship team we have played this season, the little cup has come and gone now, so perhaps when the Big cup come round our team has gelled together and we can get a result !!!! But in the mean time we must concentrate on getting up the league table, because I for one would hate to be below Norwich on that Sunday.

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warktheline added 08:42 - Aug 15 Chambers, Knudsen and Skuse should have left Portman Rd with their 'father figure' ! Hurst received 'muted' response from players after game, no surprise there! Hurst has added an array of young inexperienced lads to senior players who have been living in 'comfort and privilege' surroundings under 'free wheeling' McCarthy! It's not rocket science Hurst, get rid, and add a couple experienced defenders ( premiership/ championship (loans) if need be) get Dozzell (fit) in midfield with Bishop, and play two strikers! I urge Hurst to finish what he's started!!!!!!!

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Swn98 added 08:44 - Aug 15 mattinlondon unfortunately i said the same thing towards the end of last season when the boo boys think they have got their own way anarchy rules.
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Swn98 added 08:47 - Aug 15 hurst looks like he's aged 10 years in 3 weeks welcome to the world of ITFC wait till the bed sheets come out and they start singing profanities about your football...... still i expect the financial renumeration makes it all worthwhile.
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martin587 added 08:51 - Aug 15 I was at the game the last night and it's clear to see this is work in progress.Just how long that will take remains to be seen,but sooner rather than later is a must. I'm not a manager but it's clearly obvious we need two up front.The support from midfield was not good and the crosses left a lot to be desired. The need for a CB now is critical in my eyes as the lad from Shrewsbury is not ready yet.Three players last night stood out for me as not interested at all.I won't name them but I'm sure those of us at the game will know just who they were. PH will get it right,but what does stand out for me is the lack of experience within the team and this problem must be addressed now. Saturday is a very big game and a true test of our character.Lets just hope we can put up a very good performance.

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RoyalAscotBlue added 08:54 - Aug 15 3 games in and people have already lost the plot. 3 games in ..!!
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MattinLondon added 08:54 - Aug 15 To be honest Swn98 I don't think that any over-the-top negative reaction will have any effect on ME and quite rightly so. It's a new project as well as a big project. If people don't like it - clear off as it'll may get worse before it gets better.
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