Pic: Andy Whitehead/Media Image (Martin Drury, right)
BRADFORD PARK AVENUE boss Martin Drury has apologised to the club's fans after they were demolished by Nantwich Town in their FA Trophy replay.
Avenue had already beaten Buxton and National League side Lincoln City but missed out on the chance of hosting Stourbridge in the last 16 after losing 5-0 at Nantwich on Tuesday night.
The National League North outfit were soundly beaten by their Evo-Stik NPL Premier opponents after the initial game was drawn 1-1 at the Horsfall Stadium last Wednesday.
And boss Drury, who only took over in the summer from John Deacey, was left fuming at his side's performance which he described as an “utter disgrace”.
“First of all, I'd like to congratulate Nantwich, I thought they fully deserved their win,” he said. “I thought they played some great stuff and were by far the better team, and it could have been more.
“Secondly, I'd like to apologise, on behalf of myself, Jamie (Price, assistant), and the rest of the staff, to the football club, and to the supporters who have travelled and supported this team throughout the season.
“What's been on show is nothing short of an utter disgrace. I'm an honest man, and I will hold my hands up when I get things wrong, I'll accept criticism when it's due, and it is at this moment in time.
“We've had a long conversation after the game, I've got a lot of feedback from the players, asked a lot of questions that I needed answers to.
“The answers all sound right, they are all saying the right things to us about a reaction and saying that's not good enough and all of that, but that all counts for nothing, absolutely nothing, if you haven't got heart.
“I was never a brilliant footballer, but I loved the game, and I worked hard every single time I put that shirt on, and I didn't accept anything less from anyone around me other than 100%, and working with people, and that's where we went wrong.
“I've been told by everyone in the dressing room not to do anything too hasty, but I don't think what has happened is acceptable.
“I'll be honest, I know these players, and some of their priorities need to change. They need to work harder away from football, and I think they know that, and that bothers me.”
