Skipper Graham Coughlan has urged Shrewsbury Town’s fans to unite behind the club, but admits: “I could understand if one or two stay away.”

Shrewsbury were thumped 4-0 at League Two leaders Rochdale on Saturday, a result that has left them down in 10th place, three points off the play-off places.

After a series of uninspiring displays, the Town captain admits it would be no surprise if some supporters voted with their feet for the Boxing Day clash at home to Macclesfield.

But he hopes they put any concerns to one side and play a part in helping the team back to winning ways.

“I couldn’t blame the crowd now, if one or two decided to stay away,” said Coughlan.

“But if we can all roll our sleeves up, pull together in the same direction and get some unity, that would be great.

“The fans really can help us, and we know the Boxing Day game will be a big occasion for the players, the fans and everybody involved.

“The fans have been good to us so far, I have to take my hat off to them,” he added.

“We haven’t given them a great deal to cheer, but they’ve turned up in their numbers so we’re desperate to improve and give them something back.”

Town’s players reported for duty on Sunday, summoned in for talks to try and address the shortcomings they showed at Rochdale.

They were then given the day off yesterday before returning to the training ground this morning to start preparing for the visit of the Silkmen on Saturday (3pm).

And Coughlan insists there is a steely determination throughout the squad to make amends.

“The good thing about football is that you always have another opportunity to bounce back,” said the 35-year-old.

“As a team, and as a club, we need to do that. It wasn’t good enough on Saturday and now we need to go out there and show what this club means to us.

“Being positive, we know that three decent results over the Christmas period would put us back in the play-off places, so it’s not all doom and gloom. We’re very much in the hunt.”

By CHRIS HUDSON