Appleton lets rip at Rovers flops

Rovers boss Michael Appleton has let rip at his Rovers players, who should be ashamed of themselves after a first half surrender that ranks up there with one of the worst in living memory.

Our home side were 3 goals down after a little over 25 minutes, with Peterborough hungier and more determined than some of the jaded and lazy Rovers players on display.

Fans have called for heads to roll (not literally), and the manager appears to concur - furthermore it doesn't take a genius to work out which players he was referring to here (hint, they were taken off at half time).

Appleton told the Lancashire Telegraph - "To say it was a first half horror show is one of the biggest understatements of the season. If the rules had allowed me to make six or seven subs I would have done. Unfortunately I could only make three.

"The problems today are what three or four managers have had have reared its head again. You either be brave and deal with it head on or you go down sinking without a battle. I know which way I am going to go.

"I do feel a little bit let down by them but they let themselves down, they should be disappointed in themselves but that is the issue. Are they disappointed? Are they genuinely gutted that they came in at half time 3-0 down? Does it matter to them that much?

"There are certainly players in that dressing room who are hurting but I`m not convinced it is all of them.'

And get set for the quote of the day with this first sentence. It's difficult to disagree with App here...

"It is almost as though the football club needs an exorcism. In terms of a real clean slate, get to the bare bones of what we need to do, get to basics, the fundamental aspects of how we get this football club back in a place where everyone can be delighted to come and watch the team.

"You don`t win games on paper. If you don`t respect the division you are going to struggle. You can`t live off your past, you can`t live off what you might have done before, you have to live in the present."

In amongst all the chaos it is incredible to think that a week today we could be set for a trip to Wembley with a FA Cup Quarter Final on the horizon.

But the Rovers boss was again in reflective move stating that whilst any cup day out would be enjoyed it certainly shouldn't mask over the very real problems that will need to be addressed.

He has even gone as far to promise opportunities for younger players who will no doubt be keen to make their mark unlike some of the established first team players.

"Ironic as it is in a week`s time we play in the quarter final of the FA Cup with an opportunity to play at Wembley, if we are lucky enough on the day for that to happen, I hope it doesn`t mask the stuff we need to deal with at this club.

"There is going to be an opportunity now for some young players, players who have not played for a while, because if I am going to lose a game, I am going to lose it with honesty, commitment and desire.

"I know I am going to get that for the next 11 games. I know that now, whether we get enough wins to make sure we are going to be competitive to make teams look over their shoulders, who knows.

'I can assure you there will be changes.

"When a new manager comes in he always hopes to get to the end of the season to rebuild and restructure and put a formula together that can push forward.

"In the meantime there will be a lot of work put in, a lot of blood, sweat and tears, a lot of highs and lows. It is about staying together but to stay together you need mentally strong men and I`m not sure where some of the players are from a mental point of view at the minute.

"You cant complain about the fans` reaction, I would have been the same. I was the same at half time.

"I was just astonished the way we went about it. Maybe I have found out today the hard way about why the club has had three or four managers this season."

Harsh words. But fair words, which is the main thing.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.