City defender Gary Rowett has thrown himself and his teammates to the lions after saying that Taylor is not to blame for the recent run of poor results. The players are!

He told the web, "We all need to look at ourselves in the mirror and ask whether we are doing as much as we should.

"It has been a dreadful run of results and I feel sorry for the manager. He is the one getting the stick and really it is down to the players.

"We are as disappointed and despondent as the fans about it. Everyone is very low at the moment and it is difficult to see where the next win is coming from.

"The run has badly affected confidence and we are sitting back hoping for things to happen rather than going out there to make them happen.

"I know that fans are questioning the spirit and commitment of the side and I would have to agree with them at the moment.

"In recent games perhaps our commitment hasn't been as good as it could be but that's probably down to the lack of confidence.

"We have to stick together and sort things out and it's vital that we halt the run and try and end the season on a high note in the last few games."

Is he right? Should the players be carrying more of the blame than Taylor? Talk to FFS and soothe your soul.