MANAGER: The changing room is taking ownership

“Something the players have brought up recently is how the football department handles disappointment, which is vitally important,” he said. “We can't win every game until the end of the season, but how we react individually and collectively is what matters. We need some of that bouncebackability Exeter showed earlier in the season. 

“We were four points adrift and lacking in confidence just a short while ago, with no direction coming from the changing room, but that is gradually changing. The changing room is taking ownership and responsibility for their performances. 

“They've created their own mandate of things we want to do. We gave the players two scenarios and one of those was with the team in a relegation battle for the rest of the season. We asked them to give us the characteristics we would need. 

“The other scenario was a team third from bottom but which was climbing the table. Again, we asked for the characteristics we needed for that. We've basically highlighted what we need to do. If we don't pull together we will stay in a relegation battle for the rest of the season. If we do things properly we can get results and climb the table.” 

Looking ahead to January, he said: “I think the likelihood is that when the transfer window opens there will be others players added to the loan list. 

“Before the window does open we’ll send the list out again to say that players are available and need game time. Having said that, the Christmas period gives people a chance to get in the team and stay there. If that happens they’ll get taken off the list because I'll be using them. 

“We've got a lot of games coming up which means we've got a lot of good opportunities to get results. We need to start performing because we know where we are and what we need to do to get out of it. 

“We're in a difficult position but we are going to get out of it. We're going to enjoy the fight and the battle that is going to come.” 

“If you asked me for my perfect Christmas present I’d tell you I’ve already got it because I'm here and I'm working,” he told us. “I'm working for a fantastic football club that is going to go places and I'm very happy to be a part of that. 

“I'm mindful of the fact that a lot of people spend their time thinking about what they haven't got. I know exactly what I've got and that’s why I’m very happy to be doing this job.”