Players must deal with fans' views - boss

Photo: Alan Howarth

ATHLETIC manager Stephen Robinson appeals to his players during Saturday's match against MK Dons

ATHLETIC'S players have been challenged to shake off their home heebie-jeebies after firing another blank.

After watching his side sink to the bottom of Sky Bet League One, manager Stephen Robinson was left scratching his head to work out why Athletic failed to build on a good effort at Charlton.

For the second week running, the display at SportsDirect.com Park was an insipid one against MK Dons.

It left Robinson talking about an unsettling atmosphere that his men must find a way to overcome.

"There is definitely a fear (at SportsDirect.com Park) and they played with that," said Robinson, whose side lost 2-0 to remain without a home win in the league.

'NEGATIVE'

"They played with a freedom at Charlton, Coventry and Bury, passing the ball and retaining possession.

"Here, every touch was negative in the first half which was contrary to what we told them - to be positive to risk making mistakes and get shots on target.

"There is a fear factor here and fans do get on the backs very quickly, but they have to deal with that.

"There are 3,000 fans here and if they want to go on to better things and have a career in football, you simply have to deal with that.

"We would love for the fans to stay with us for 90 minutes then show emotions afterwards, but unfortunately we live in an X-Factor world where everyone wants instant success.

"They pay their money and are entitled to have their opinions, most definitely.

"We were completely flat and lacked energy and the quality we showed at Charlton, which was the most disappointing thing."

Of the four strikers at his disposal - Lee Erwin, Billy Mckay, Freddie Ladapo and Darius Osei - only Erwin has struck in the league so far and Athletic are the lowest scorers in the Football League with five goals in 11 fixtures.

Robinson said that while he is examining his options when it comes to bringing in free agents, for the time being at least it is down to the existing players to turn around that record.

"If we can do something within our capabilities then Simon (Corney) will try to support it, I'm sure," he added.

"We have looked at players on free transfers but remember, these players are coming in eight or nine weeks out of season so won't have an instant impact.

"Freddie (Ladapo) is three or four weeks behind everyone else and you can see that.

"So if we get them in or not, it won't have an impact in the immediate future."

Athletic attempt to bounce back tomorrow at Fleetwood in the Checkatrade Trophy (7.45pm kick-off) and there could be a chance for Carl Winchester.

"Carl has been terrific in training and we wanted to involve him again," said Robinson, who named the midfielder on the bench on Saturday. "He has shown a brilliant attitude.

"We probably would have brought him on, only Jamie Reckord asked to come off at half-time due to illness and that probably dictated what I was able to do."