Scunthorpe United manager Brian Laws was calling us cowards says 'wounded winger' Mark Duffy
WOUNDED winger Mark Duffy admits Scunthorpe United have much to prove to boss Brian Laws and their fans.
The Iron manager branded his team cowards, questioning their passion and attitude following Saturday's 4-0 thumping at Doncaster Rovers.
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Scunthorpe United winger Mark Duffy
Duffy says he and his team-mates were left feeling "hurt" by the scathing comments, but concedes Laws had a valid point after a disappointing derby.
However, United's standout player of the season is determined to ensure that is the last time his commitment to the cause will ever be called into question.
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"I had to bite my tongue because he (Laws) was screaming and shouting – and he's got a right to because we'd just been beaten in a local derby 4-0," said Duffy.
"But when he's saying stuff like that it does hurt.
"Me, on a personal level, I had to bite my tongue. I wanted to say something back but I haven't got a leg to stand on because at the end of the day we'd just been pummelled 4-0.
"It does hurt and I think it's the same for all the lads.
"No-one likes to be called, the word he used was cowards. No-one likes to be a called a coward or passionless.
"For me, I want to prove him wrong. I want to go out there and show what I'm made of.
"He said if you do that he'll be the first to come back and give you a pat on the back.
"It's down to the players to turn that round and show we have got passion and that we do care for the club and we want to win."
Duffy accepts to do that a lot of hard work will be required between now and Scunthorpe's next game, at home to Bournemouth in just over a week's time.
Second from bottom and two points away from climbing out of the relegation zone, there is at least time to turn it round.
However, United must change the way they start games, according to the Liverpudlian.
"The gaffer's made it clear that if we're not playing well, he demands us to work hard, put a foot in and tackle, make the game scrappy," he said.
"The way he was speaking, it would be pleasing for him if we didn't play well and got a 1-0 win. I think that would show a lot, that we have got the character he craves.
"We showed in the Walsall and Coventry games we can fight and we can scrap. When we do that our passion and our quality shines through.
"I personally think you can tell after 10 or 15 minutes if we're on it or not, and that's what we need to change.
"We need to change the way we set up at the start of games and make sure that we're at it from the start.
"Anything in life is hard work. You don't get anything given to you.
"All the players have got to where they are now through hard work but you can't just get here and stop.
"If anything, you've got to work twice as hard now, especially the position we're in.
"It's a shame because the club's run well by the chairman and the fans are coming back. It's just down to the players now to produce."
Comments
by DFlated
Thursday, November 29 2012, 5:04PM
“Knill went - that dramatically changed the Mozika situation.”
by stevescunny
Thursday, November 29 2012, 4:42PM
“Same as Mozika was never going to kick a ball for Scunny again?
It may be that Duffy will have to go, he was signed as a Championship player so maybe the wages are a bit high for the current situation.”
by DFlated
Thursday, November 29 2012, 12:52PM
“Who cares he will be sold in January. They have had the run of the roost for too long and now whine when challenged. Just shows what a bunch on money grabbing no hopers we have.”
by ironite
Thursday, November 29 2012, 12:16PM
“This sounds like a very strange interview and sounds to me like Duffy is effectively saying "the Manager wasn't happy and told us so"...."I wanted to react to him being unhappy, but realised he has a point so thought I'd say quiet, then tell the local paper and ask the public to make up their own mind".
I can't fathom what Duffy's gained here by saying as much as he has. In this case perhaps it would be better all round using the usual footballing cliches like "we are all hurting" or "we know we've let the fans down"....which he partially has, but in the heat of the moment he's instinct is to try and offset criticism.”
by johnmmaw
Thursday, November 29 2012, 10:39AM
“Not to happy that Duffy has come here and told us what BL is saying in the changing room, that should between him and his players. BL has openly said they are not performing but that was it, now for this numpty to reveal what is being said is not right. With the position we are in I am not surprised that BL raises his voice, it needs raising to get the players to realise what they are doing to our club and it is our club we shall still be supporting it long after this bunch of clowns have left. If they performed to half their capabilty we would be in a better position and Mr Laws would not have to call them cowards or anything else.”
by Deereyme
Thursday, November 29 2012, 10:23AM
“Not sure what to think of Duffy's comments. Sounds like he was tempted to start blaming the others which wouldn't have been helpful. they're either in it together or not.
'He (Laws) was screaming and shouting – and he's got a right to...' Damn right he has boy and don't you dare question it. You lot have already seen off one manager, he doesn't want to be the next. Knuckle down, the lot of you, or get off the gravy train!”
by AnonTaxPayer
Thursday, November 29 2012, 10:02AM
“Until he starts playing as one of eleven in a team instead of one and ten others he will not be one of the better players.”
by Aussieiron
Thursday, November 29 2012, 9:43AM
“He and Reid are our best players. If the rest showed the same fortitude and passion the team would be mid table by now. The skills are there now get the motivation and passion right and they will be a champion team.
UTI”
by ExPatIron
Thursday, November 29 2012, 9:35AM
“Fine words ... let's hope the hairdryer treatment works & they start to put up a fight !”