Neal Bishop has conceded that Scunthorpe United must toughen up if they are to turn around their early-season form.
The Iron fell to a 1-0 defeat to League One's bottom-placed side Blackpool on Saturday, leaving them stuck on five points from their first six games.
Bishop admits that the surprise loss at the hands of Blackpool has left his teammates looking over their shoulders already, but is hopeful that things will finally come good in the coming weeks.
"There's no use sitting in corners, blaming this and that and other people," he is quoted as saying by the Scunthorpe Telegraph. "We've got to look ourselves squarely in the eye and ask ourselves a few questions. The last time Blackpool won away was when I was there.
"I'm a bit embarrassed to be honest that they've come and turned us over. Make no bones about it, they are not a good team. The frustrating thing is that it's not down to a lack of effort or commitment, all the boys are trying. But we're so much better than what we're showing.
"On paper we're a good team - but nothing is won on paper. We've got to start producing on the pitch. People say we're 'a good bunch of lads', but maybe we're too much of a good bunch of lads and too nice to each other? Maybe a few home truths need to be told? We don't want to be a nice bunch of lads but be in a relegation battle this season. And make no mistake about it, if we don't start to pick up, that's where we're going to be."
Scunthorpe, who are now down in 19th place, play host to Coventry City in their next league outing.
Daniel Lewis
