McAuley Blames Some Players

Town defender Gareth McAuley has blamed some players for not pulling their weight at Town for the sacking of Roy Keane.

McAuley: "Some players he brought to the club let the manager down for whatever reason, and he has now paid the price, there are lads disappointed at the manager going and perhaps those maybe not so. But that's football.

"We are left with the squad that we have, and we don't know whether it will be strengthened.

"Some must look at themselves and step up to the mark to ensure this club survives in the Championship.

"They have not been pulling their weight, and while I've been injured I've been watching games saying to myself 'Is he hiding?', 'Is he doing enough?'

"I'm in a position where I can speak in the dressing room but not always out there on the pitch.

"And the gaffer could not be out there making sure that his players put it in all the time.

"I've got so much respect for the man and what he's done. I've had run-ins as much as anyone, but they weren't scary and he only cared about getting the best out of you and the best out of the club.

"Perhaps I had a different upbringing as I could take it on the chin and realise that it was nothing personal.

"But some of the younger players did not respond too well. It is part of their education and they have got to realise that it's a man's game.

"It's been fun if not easy - and tough both mentally and physically.

"But I have total respect for Roy Keane and it is hard too see him go."