Defender Alex Bruce has hit out at criticism of boss Jim Magilton. Sections of the Town support and the local press have both called for the manager's head in the last few days, with a demonstration expected prior to Wednesday's game against Nottingham Forest.

Bruce, who has turned down a new two-year contract with the Blues, told the club site: "In January we took 11 points out of 15 and the manager was up for Manager of the Month.

"We took 6,000 to Chelsea and gave a good account of ourselves and everything was looking good, but because of two disappointing results it's now all doom and gloom.

"We're not that far off the play-offs, yet the manager has got people on his back and it's ridiculous.

"I see first hand that the manager does everything he can for this football club. He works every hour possible and you won't find a more passionate manager.

"When we are not performing it's the players that deserve stick, not the manager. He has been out there on the pitch for this club and been a success.

"It's a joke the pressures that are on managers in the game today. I have seen close up what it can do with my father and it can have an effect on the family.

"It seems the way it is now. Look at Phil Scolari. A World Cup winner loses his job after seven months. It's crazy."

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