‘It’s down to us’

The Town midfielder pulled no punches after the comprehensive 3-0 reversal at Brunton Park, claiming the last two performances have not been good enough.

Saturday's thrilling last-minute win over non-League Forest Green Rovers in the FA Cup papered over the cracks of a disappointing Town display and Pook insists no-one was fooled.

He said: "There was a feel-good factor because it was the FA Cup and everyone was glad to get through but even if you look back Forest Green must have been wondering how they went away without even a draw.

"We did not play that well then and they did. So that is two games on the bounce where we have been nowhere near our best so there is obviously something wrong and we need to go away and sort it out.

"We are threadbare, which is an obvious thing, but that is no excuse.

"There are good players waiting in the wings and it is down to us to keep our system and make it work. But the inquest starts today."

Paul Sturrock's resignation as boss last week was just the latest in a catalogue of dramas to hit the County Ground outfit this season.

Along with protracted takeover talks and a crippling injury and suspension last, Town could not be blamed for having little left in the tank but Pook insists team spirit is still as strong as ever.

He said: "Team spirit is brilliant here.

"Everyone gets on with each other brilliantly but it does not mean to say when we get back into the dressing room we won't have things to say.

"Players have every right to have things to say but that is left in the dressing room.

"There are things we need to improve football wise, not spirit wise.

"We were quite thankful it was just 3-0 in the end, it was so bad. We just seemed not to be at the races.

"It is a horrible place to come but that is no excuse.

"We were off the pace and deserved nothing.

"We don't feel we deserved to win so we are not coming away saying we were unlucky.

"We are not blaming the ref either. We just played badly and are disappointed in ourselves."