We spoke to Steven Rudd, following our defeat to Bradford.
Steven began with an overview of the game, saying: “There's positives, but the result's the biggest thing for us, and we haven't got that again.
“The performance was good in spells, mistakes have cost us, and that's the bit we need to iron out all over the pitch, not just at the back, not just up top.
“There were square passes in midfield, there was a bit of indecision at times, and once we cut those mistakes out, that's got potential to be a very good group who can go on to win football matches, but coming away and conceding after two minutes, you can't do that at any level of football.
“We've asked them to try and play and get on the ball. So we'll take responsibility, but we have to be better at it, so we're not conceding goals like that.”
The Blues steadied themselves after going behind, and had long spells where we were on the front-foot.
“There was large spells that game where we were on the front-foot, balls into the box, things wouldn't quite drop, but again, it's that bit in and around the final third, around the box, that's where games are won and lost, at both ends of the pitch.
“We have to be better in both 18-yard boxes. There were loads of good individual performances, that's positive for the lads. Cam Harper's got through pretty much 90 minutes there, so if you go around the pitch, there's positives to take from everybody.
“As a group, there's positives. The biggest positive is that they've had a right go. I can honestly say they've left nothing out there.
“There are plenty of signs there that this team can improve.
“There's a real togetherness between the group. They're hurting in there, and what we have to do now is we have to pick them up. We have to get ready for Monday, prepare properly, because I think once this group of players get a positive result, I think confidence and momentum will build from there."
Steven had encouraged the players to take more risks, which perhaps cost us the first goal, he stated: “Two minutes into a game, wet, greasy, slippy pitch and things like that. We're not going to change the message.
“We have asked them to do that, so we take responsibility. Mistakes are going to happen at any level of the game. Unfortunately, we've made one or two today that have cost us, and that's football.
“Mistakes can cost you. Unfortunately, we've made more than Bradford today, I feel, in terms of game-changing moments. We got a bit of luck with our goal, but it was at a point where we were really on top and we really deserved it.
“They've got to stick with it. They have to work hard. They've got to believe.
“We have to help them with that and support them. I thought the fans today were excellent right until the very end. Helping to try and drag that ball into the net.”
One highlight for United was a brilliant double save from Harry Lewis, with the game level at 1-1. Steven said: “It was an unbelievable save to keep us in the game. Harry is a very good goalie, no doubt about it, both with the ball at his feet and doing that. He's dealt with a couple of crosses into the box.”
Ben Williams went off with what looked a nasty injury, Steven gave us an update on how the situation, saying: “Ben went to block the cross in the bottom corner and his studs have just got caught in the grass. So it's his knee. Sophie's in there looking at it and helping deal with it now.
“It's not looking great, if we're honest, but we'll see how he goes tonight and tomorrow. He'll go and get checked out properly and see where we're at for next week with Ben. Fingers crossed for him that he's ok and it's not as bad as we first think.”
Speaking on Terell Thomas' exit from the action, he added: “It was just his hamstring when he made that sprint down the line. We said we would do it straight away. He said he wanted to try and carry on, but if he does, he maybe makes it worse.”
Aaron Hayden and Dan Adu-Adjei were absent from the matchday squad.
“Aaron had a big cut above his eyebrow after Tranmere, so that required stitches. Obviously they've gone through the concussion protocols as well, but that's all clear, so hopefully Aaron will come back into the group for next week.
“Dan got a knock in the Tuesday night game. He trained yesterday for a bit of it, but as soon as he went into it 100%, striking a football, he felt it, so we didn’t take a risk.
"Hopefully early parts of next week we can get Dan and Aaron back into the group and hope that today's aren't too bad and we get stronger."
We asked Steven if he knew whether or not him, Jamie Devitt and Mark Birch would be in charge for the Fleetwood game, responding: “No, we've had no indication. We're going to look at this one properly.
“As long as we're in charge, we'll keep doing it properly, giving absolutely everything, same as the players in there and everyone involved. If we are in charge next weekend, we need that win to start turning things around and getting points on the board.
“We know what we need to do. Cut out mistakes, do the basics really well, same enthusiasm, character and desire as today and just be better all over the pitch. I think once they get that first win, they can really believe and buy in and that'll be the start of the season, but we need it sooner rather than later."
Finally, Steven spoke on the tremendous travelling support:
“The fans always get behind this club. All 1,700 odd of them today have been absolutely magnificent. You could hear them all game and it does make a difference.
“Lads out there have got 90 minutes in them and they're pressing things in the last minute, we're throwing balls in the box, we're desperate to get the ball in the net, and they're a big part of that, sticking with us, clapping the lads off at the end. The lads need that, 100% they need people behind them, encouraging them, supporting them.
“So, a big thank you from myself for them for this week, the support they've shown us as staff and the players.
"Can't thank them enough, but stick with it, stick with the club, stick with the players. Results will turn, the lads are working hard to make sure that happens, and when it does, enjoy it, because the results will turn at some point and we're going to do everything to make sure it's next Saturday against Fleetwood.”
