NEWPORT County’s players are to blame for their dismal start to the season according to midfielder Scott Rogers who insists his teammates are “desperate” to save manager Anthony Hudson’s job.

The rookie manager is under fire from a number of County fans after the Exiles picked up just five points in their opening eight games, a wretched run that culminated in a 5-0 drubbing at Mansfield last time out.

Fans have been outraged with the performances and Hudson this week received a vote of confidence from the County board, though in the eyes of supporters it is, and always has been, ‘the dreaded’ vote of confidence.

However, Rogers, who contacted the Argus following a meeting between some of the senior players, insists the players are right behind Hudson and feel guilty for how much pressure he is under.

“I am getting a bit older now and as one of the more senior players, we had a chat and decided someone like myself should contact the press and let the fans know what the players think,” he said.

“We all like to pretend we don’t read the messageboards or listen to the ranting at the games but of course we do, and we know what is being said about the gaffer.

“That’s why we feel we need to say something. We are desperate to succeed for Anthony because he works incredibly hard and doesn’t deserve what has been said about him.

“The players ultimately have to take responsibility. The way we played at Mansfield, it wouldn’t have mattered if we’d had Jose Mourinho managing us, we would still have lost. Our position isn’t the manager’s fault, the blame lies with us, the players.”

Rogers does admit confidence is an issue but doesn’t believe the squad needs any motivating for the trip to Braintree tomorrow.

“We shouldn’t even need a teamtalk, we have to put things right after the run we’ve had and we are really desperate to do it,” he explained.

“The training this week has been great, very intense, because the gaffer wants us to improve via hard work.

“There wouldn’t be a manager in the country who would work harder for this club and be more dedicated and we must stick together for Anthony.

“All the boys would be gutted if he got sacked, it’s the last thing we want. We should have picked up more points earlier in the season and that cost us and since our confidence has gone a bit. But if we get an unbeaten run going we’ll soon climb the division.”

Rogers has also thrown his support behind goal shy summer signing Craig McAllister, yet to open his Conference account.

“Ask any player in the squad to pick an XI and I guarantee Craig would be on every single team sheet,” he said.

“I was chatting to (ex-County striker) Craig Reid recently and he said he reckoned McAllister would be the perfect player to play with.”

Rogers is excited by the arrival of midfielder David Pipe.

“He obviously has a history but who doesn’t,” he said.

“He’s come in and been good as gold with us, he’s a lovely bloke really and he could boost us at just the right time.”

Rogers returns to the squad after a recent suspension and is in contention to start.

Finally, the Argus can reveal that despite an approach from League One side Aldershot Town, attacker Sam Foley will be staying at Spytty Park.