United boss not about to give up

Last Sunday’s 4-0 defeat at high-flying Oldham Athletic left the Bulls bottom of the table with five points from 10 games and without a win in their last seven matches in all competitions.

However, Turner, also chairman at Edgar Street, is not about to walk away from the situation and is focused on tomorrow’s trip to Brighton (3pm).

He said: “We all have to take some responsibility for what has happened but mostly it comes down to my accountability.

“I am not planning on falling on my sword. At a time like this, strong leadership is required.”

The Bulls’ boss felt it was a case of poor concentration that led to the Latics running out comfortable winners last weekend but reckons that has been addressed.

He said: “If you give two goals away early on, it’s always going to be an uphill struggle.

“Conceding one in the first five minutes dented our confidence and, as a result, we didn’t really play well.

“We gave it a good go in the second-half but, by then, it was too late. It is a problem with our concentration.

“It’s got to be a concern but all we can do is continue to work hard in training.

“You always believe the next game is going to be the one and that has to be our aim.

“We have addressed one or two points that we needed to right and I expect an improved performance at Brighton.”

Brighton have failed to register a league win since a 2-0 success at Southend on August 22. However, Micky Adams’ side did cause a major upset in the Carling Cup last month when they ousted Manchester City on penalties.

The last time the teams met, at Edgar Street in May 1997, a 1-1 draw saw United relegated from the Football League but Turner does not think that will have any bearing at the Withdean. He added: “I think that’s long gone.”

Midfielder Stephen O’Leary misses the game with a one-match ban for his dismissal at Oldham and could be replaced by Ben Smith who is back in training following illness.