Northampton boss Rob Page apologises for describing 5-0 thrashing as ‘men against girls’
NORTHAMPTON boss Rob Page has issued an apology for his remarks after their defeat by Bristol Rovers.
The 42-year-old labelled the performance of his players as “men against girls” following the thrashing in League One on Saturday.
It was the ninth defeat in 11 matches for the Cobblers, and Page’s post-match comments failed to help lift any of the pressure on his shoulders.
Page said: “I immediately realised that this comment was totally unacceptable.
“No offence was meant by it and I apologise wholeheartedly if any was caused.”
The Northampton manager had made five changes to his team due to illness, injury and international duty, but that was unable to stop Ellis Harrison firing four past against his side.
Speaking to BBC Radio Northampton afterwards, Page said: “People are knocking on my door, saying they deserve a chance and when you do, do your talking out there.
“Actions speak louder than words. There was a couple giving that. It was men against girls, not boys.
“That was embarrassing. My staff and players feel like we've let the football club and the supporters down.”
Page replaced Chris Wilder in the hotseat last summer after the latter joined Sheffield United.
Northampton went on a 31-match unbeaten run last year and were in the play-off spots in October, but their dramatic loss of form has seen them plummet to 16th in the table.
And as speculation mounts about his job, the Welshman insisted he was not a “quitter” but admitted there was “no excuses” for Saturday’s performance.
Page added: "I've got to apologise to the supporters. They didn't deserve that today. It's not acceptable, I'm a proud man and that's a hard one to take.”