(Photo: Action Images via Reuters)
By Alex Beard
Bristol Rovers manager Darrell Clarke has apologised to the 524 fans who travelled to witness the team’s 4-0 thumping at the hands of Shrewsbury last night.
Paul Hurst‘s side netted four times in an utterly dominant first half, and Clarke had admitted that his tactical decisions were part of the reason for the abject performance.
The result leaves them 13th in the League One table, making it two straight losses for the Gas since they thrashed Northampton 6-0 in their previous away fixture.
Clarke made no bones about the display: “First of all, I can only apologise for that performance. Obviously we’re disappointed,” he told the Bristol Post.
“I take full responsibility for it certainly. I apologise to the fans who paid a lot of money and travelled a long way to witness that first half performance.
“They hit us on counter attacks, that’s why I take responsibility. Maybe I got the shape wrong – well I did get the shape wrong because the proof is in the pudding.
“Blame me, I take responsibility. You’ve got to take the rough with the smooth in this game. It’s certainly going to be a challenging time ahead now.
“We’re very disappointed that we didn’t show anything near of what we’re capable.
“But you have to give Shrewsbury credit, they were ruthless with their opportunities. That’s why they’re top of the league and flying.”
Clarke’s side will attempt to get back on the horse when they face Rochdale at Spotland Stadium on Saturday afternoon.