Boss Jim Magilton slammed his side's defending as the Blues crashed to yet another away defeat, this time at Coventry City.

Magilton said: "That sums up our season away from home. We showed great quality at first and passed the ball very, very well and Coventry couldn't wait for half-time to come.

"There looked like there was only going to be one winner. We were sat there at half-time pretty confident that we would go on to win the game, but we never got started after the break.

"If you defend in the manner that we did and concede such sloppy goals as that, then you are going to lose games home and away.

"We didn't get enough crosses in the box after we went behind and all Coventry had to do to beat us was up their workrate."

Magilton says signing new players in January, possibly including Laurent Robert, will help to improve the situation: "Everybody at this club has been given a chance now and the only way I am going to turn this around is by bringing in players who will make the difference.

"If we can do that then we will see a bit more success. I've never been on a run like this as a player and the more it happens the more it psychologically affects us.

"Laurent Robert is very good friends with Charlie Woods and he invited him over to watch our game against Burnley.

"He is a free agent and if he wants to have a look at us and let us have a look at him, then he is more than welcome. It is an open invite and he's certainly someone whose quality can help us."

Midfielder Tommy Miller was amazed that referee Iain Williamson showed him his second yellow card towards the end of the match: "I didn't touch the player and there is no way it was a booking offence.

"I tried to block the clearance and the lad went down. I'm just hoping something can be done about it but I'm not even sure we can appeal."

Miller received his first yellow card earlier in the second half, which he says was another questionable caution: "I wasn't happy about the first booking either. The ref told me that he was booking me because he should have booked me earlier in the game for kicking the ball a yard away at a freekick.”

Town say the midfielder will miss the New Year's Day game against West Brom unless referee Iain Williamson overturns his decision, although there is no formal appeal process for a red card for two bookings.

Coventry boss Iain Dowie admitted his side were second best before the break: "First half we were shocking. We didn't keep the ball or pass it with any authority and we looked nervous.

"But the second half was a bit better and the two lads who came on did well. We were down to the bare bones and the subs were instrumental in getting us a victory.

"We scored two very good football goals and I was pleased with Dele's finish as I thought he worked hard all game.

"It was one of the worst performances of the season but we've won, so it goes to show that you don't always get what you deserve.

"It was a big, big display with limited resources and I'm delighted for the fans as they've deserved that win."

Photo: Action Images

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