"Blame Shrews players, not their boss"

Town have endured a difficult end to 2009 but secured a priceless 3-1 victory at Bradford on Monday to ease the gloom which had descended over the Prostar Stadium.

But Coughlan admitted it is the players - and not manager Paul Simpson - who should take the flak for the poor run of form throughout the last two months.

"It has been a tough spell because the manager has carried the burden," said Coughlan. "People were pointing the finger at the manager but we were the ones on the pitch.

"The man does everything right for us and the players have got to stand up and take responsibility. If I'm being honest, it's got to come from me (as captain).

"By no means should any player hide behind the manager. He had to put the bullet-proof vest on for his players and he did that and took the flak.

"You take your hat off to him for that but let's call a spade a spade - we haven't been performing and it's not been good enough.

"The manager trusts us and we were delighted we could repay him on Monday."

Coughlan is now demanding his players build on Monday's impressive performance and result with another strong showing in Saturday's testing assignment at Chesterfield.

"Saturday's massive now because you need to take performances on and get that momentum," added the Irishman.

"I just hope that goal by Dave Hibbert against Macclesfield on Saturday (to rescue a 2-2 draw) gives us that spark and lift and we can push on and salvage something from what has been, so far, a disappointing season."

By JAMES GARRISON