No Excuses

ARGYLE manager John Sheridan is not interested in making excuses for his side’s sub-standard 2-0 defeat to Dagenham & Redbridge.

After goals from Abu Ogogo and Jamie Cureton for the Daggers punished the Greens’ sluggish showing, the inquest would have begun between many onlookers as to why Argyle’s performances have taken such a downward turn.

One such reason could be the recalling of Drew Talbot by Chesterfield less than 36 hours before kick-off at the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Stadium, but Sheridan is more concerned with seeing the players he has at his disposal stepping up to the plate.

“[Drew] was on the bus yesterday travelling,” said John. “It was late and it is disappointing, obviously, because he has done really well while he’s been here.

“But we’ve got players who have been on the pitch this season and got good results, so they’re all good enough. They tell me they’re good enough.

“For what’s at stake, that’s not a performance from a team who are trying to get into the play-offs.”

Whilst the boss also does not believe that fatigue could have played a part in recent unsatisfactory results, Sheridan is prepared to up for his team and take responsibility for the performances, as well as the brunt of any frustrations aired by the Green Army.

“I’ve played 70 games a season myself; I’d rather be playing all the time than be sitting and resting,” said John. “I’d never want to be resting if I was a footballer. 

“I’m not making that as an excuse – I’m not making any excuses. We should have come here and to Oxford and got something from both games. Before a ball was kicked I thought we would get something from both games, but we haven’t here, and the performances were not good enough.

“I’m the manager and I pick the players so I’ll take the blame. I’ll take the responsibility for us losing the game. 

“People don’t want to hear me making excuses and apologising, and people are getting sick of me answering the same questions. We’ve got good supporters - a lot of supporters have come here today and it’s a poor performance. 

“They must get so frustrated and they have to direct their anger at someone. They know what’s at stake and the importance of the game. I totally accept their disappointment.”