Stop The Rot

ARGYLE manager John Sheridan admits he is feeling the pressure after the Pilgrims’ winless run was extended to seven games in Hartlepool but is backing himself to stop the rot.

Luke James’ 55th-minute goal at Victoria Park on Saturday gave the home side the three points, with the victory more galling as Pools had been reduced to ten men following the sending off of Jack Compton midway through the first half.

It means that Argyle have not won since September 7, slipping down to 19th place in Sky Bet League 2 in the process. They are now just two points above the relegation zone.

John said: “Results aren't going our way – we are losing games – so I expect people to look at me and expect I should be doing a lot better, and they are dead right.

“We haven’t played badly – I think we’ve totally dominated the game – but we’ve lost 1-0, so, if I’m not winning matches, I expect pressure. That’s the nature of football.

“I think we're not far off, but the results and the position where we are doesn't look good, so I have just got to work hard and, hopefully things will come around.

“We haven't won a game in seven so it's a vulnerable position. I'll accept that and I'll work as hard as I can to try to get the results and turn the results around for us.

“I'll make sure no-one goes hiding – me, my players, anyone. That's one thing I will do. I will take the criticism and I expect myself to prove people wrong.

“I’m not stupid. It’s a results business. I know I’ve got to start winning football matches. We’ve got to start winning football matches. If I don’t, my job will be on the line. Everyone will be questioning me. That’s part and parcel of being a football manager.

“We have just got to start winning games. I probably do feel under pressure but I'm not going to show it. I have got to stay positive and believe that we can get out of the position we are in and start winning games.”