Michael Dawson: 'Tottenham Hotspur players must take responsibility'

Tottenham Hotspur captain Michael Dawson has said that the players must take responsibility for the departure of Andre Villas-Boas.

The Portuguese coach lost his job following Sunday's 5-0 defeat at home to Liverpool, a month after being thumped 6-0 by Manchester City.

"It's been a difficult few days for all of us, what with the result here against Liverpool followed by Andre's departure," Dawson wrote in his programme notes ahead of tonight's Capital One Cup quarter-final with West Ham United.

"He was well liked in the dressing room and would always want things to work out, but it just wasn't meant to be. We wish him well.

"I know Andre came out after our heavy defeats to Manchester City and Liverpool and said that he took full responsibility, but when the team on the pitch loses in that fashion, the players have to stand up and realise ourselves that the performances haven't been acceptable."

Spurs are seventh in the Premier League.