Town skipper Jim Magilton says that Town's failings this season have been the fault of the players and not manager Joe Royle.

Magilton says that Royle has done his job, particularly during half-time breaks after poor first half displays.

The ex-Northern Ireland international says: "Players have to take responsibility for their own performances. Once you cross the white line you have to come together. You can't legislate for a 45 minutes when we have conceded shocking goals and then worry because the crowd are getting, rightfully, upset.

“It comes down to us as a group and me personally as a leader. My performances have not been the way I would want them to be.

“I have to lead from the front and take the flak if it is not good enough. People pay to watch their team perform and if it is not good enough then they have the right to be angry.

“The players should not need motivating before a game. Every time they put on that shirt, that should be enough."

Magilton feels that Royle has made the best of trying circumstances: "The Gaffer has done a fantastic job but his hands have been tied financially. We have had to bring free signings or loan players in and due to the restrictions on the club we have had to let a lot of quality players go.

“But there is not much more he can do before a game. He motivates the players, we are prepared and then we go out there and play poorly."

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