NEWPORT County AFC boss Nelson Jardim apologised to the travelling supporters after accusing his players of lacking energy and desire in a 4-0 thrashing at Swindon Town.
The Exiles headed to Wiltshire with the aim of reacting to a 4-1 hammering by Port Vale but instead they produced an even worse display in League Two.
All of the goals came in the first half as Swindon eased to a first win under Mark Kennedy thanks to strikes by Kabongo Tshimanga, Paul Glatzel, an own goal by Matt Baker and Wales Under-21s international Joel Cotterill.
There were 866 members of the Amber Army in the away section and the head coach was quick to admit that they had been let down.
READ MORE: Full match report and verdict on the Swindon nightmare
“It was a very tough afternoon and I apologise to the fans, they deserve much more,” said Jardim.
“The first half was alarming and I apologise to the fans. Too many of us were off the pace and we have to make sure we come back with more energy, desire, aggression.
“We have to understand that we can only play if we get the basics right. You have to compete, especially when you are away in front of a big crowd. Don’t do that and you will struggle.”
The performance led to some members of the travelling support expressing their anger at the full-time whistle, with club greats and now backroom staff Mark O’Brien and David Pipe getting involved in forthright conversations.
“It’s understandable but I am sure they have seen what we are capable of as well. We just have to make sure we are at it next game so that they feel proud of us again,” said Jardim.
The head coach also put his hands up to mistakes with his selection after starting with a makeshift three at the back, which he ditched in the first half for a flat four.
“I didn’t pick the best XI and we had to change shape, which made us compete. The first goal was poor and then we lost control,” he said.
“There were too many changes [because of injuries and suspensions], I get that, but that is what the squad is there for. We have options and that is not an excuse for not competing as we should.
“I take the full responsibility for that, I have to protect the players and now it’s time to stick together and make sure we address it on Monday to get back on track.”
County aim to be a possession-based, expansive side, with owner Huw Jenkins bringing the Swansea Way east, but they failed to even test Jack Bycroft in a toothless attacking performance.
“Both parts are linked. When you don’t feel comfortable defending then you don’t feel confident going forward,” said Jardim.
“They are connected and having conceded eight goals in two games it doesn’t give the confidence to expose yourself a little more and make risks in the final third.”
Jardim said that the substitution of captain Aaron Wildig was a precaution and not due to concussion, which would have led to an enforced absence for the influential midfielder.
Kyle Jameson has now served his suspension for a red card against Port Vale while his fellow centre-back Ciaran Brennan is available for Tuesday’s EFL Trophy game against West Ham Under-21s before his ban resumes for the league games against Barrow and Crewe.
Jardim also confirmed that Newcastle loanee Jamie Miley is out until October after having surgery on a hernia.
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