Given Shares The Blame Around

Shay Given has insisted that whilst individual errors have cost us at points this season, the whole team has to take the blame and the responsibility and work together to improve us.

Speaking to the Official Site Given said we had to be united on the pitch, not look for scapegoats and pull together to end the season on a high note.

'Too much is written and said about goalkeepers and back fours. It's a collective thing and even when you keep a clean sheet you would give credit to the team for that. It's about defending from the front and when we concede goals it's not just about the back four and blaming them, it should be the whole team.'

Now in fairness the theory is correct. But not all theories are practical when it's the same faces letting the team down on almost every occasion. Yes we should defend from the front, yes players should track back, yes the midfield has an important role to play in defence and no we don't want to see Darren Bent slide tackling anybody in our penalty box, but all that counts for very little when Warnock has three attempts at an own goal before succeeding, Dunne and Collins put the sleepy hat on or Hutton relives football's version of the Waterboy.

Sometimes it's not about scapegoating, sometimes it is just a reflection of form.

Given hasn't given up hope though, and he does remain confident that we will end the season with something to cheer about.

'We have conceded too many goals and we have to be better because I believe we have the players to hurt other teams and get goals. It's easy to blame the manager so it's important for all players to step up to the plate. Players need to look at themselves in the mirror.'

The last bit is spot on, McLeish might not be helping himself with selections and interviews, but some of the players certainly aren't making his job easier.

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