IT'S not often I would mention Newcastle United and Worcester City in the same breath but I was interested to see Sir Bobby Robson's interview after Saturday's 2-2 draw with Everton.

They haven't had the greatest of starts but Robson was pointing out that with all the great strides they had made in recent years that it hadn't all come tumbling down on the back of a few bad results.

The same ingredients apply at City at present where frustrations are bubbling up and we've had some stick for the way we've performed.

It's a results industry certainly but St George's Lane is notorious and certain supporters are not slow in making their views known. When you've lost at home you definitely walk the walk down the tunnel.

The frustrating and annoying bit of it is that we don't need anybody to tell us when we have performed badly.

People can voice their opinions, they've paid their money you can't stop that, but however you measure degrees of care and disappointment across various sections of the club there's no greater disappointment or frustration felt than by those on the pitch.

After a display like Saturday we didn't deserve to be in fourth position at 5pm. It was not worthy of a team in fourth place - I know that.

Last night at Hednesford was a stronger display but ultimately not good enough and we are conceding goals too easily.

We are a team short on confidence and that is being reflected in the performance on the pitch.

I can't defend anyone on Saturday's showing but I will defend the dressing room. There are no duckers and divers in there.

But the level of performance was not acceptable, I know that as much as anybody.

We have served up some poor performances and I'm not hiding from that fact and we have to put it right.

Supporters have caught on to the fact we are playing a long ball game but that is absolutely not the game plan. No way has there been any instruction to do that at all.

The football has been poor, there is no doubt about that, but the long ball stuff is coming from players low on confidence, not taking responsibility and not wanting to make a mistake.

When these characteristics are at any club, and we've all been there, players end up just wanting to get rid of the damn thing.

That's where your strong characters come into play.

Places like Worcester and Nuneaton Borough can be intimidating places to play and players need to rise to the challenge.

Pat Lyons is one such player and we are pleased he is back in the fold because he gives us added options. He's also excellent at retaining the ball. Pat thinks it's a crime to give the ball away and that is reflected in the way he plays.

This week will also see us sit down with Stewart Hadley to decide on the best way forward to get him up to full fitness with the possibility of a loan move one option for discussion.

JOHN BARTON was talking to reporter NAT SYLVESTER.