Read the thoughts of Brian Barry-Murphy following Dale’s Boxing Day defeat at home to Fleetwood Town…
“I felt for long periods of the game that we were going to go on and win it,” said Barry-Murphy.
“I felt as if our lads were so desperate to win the game that some of our efforts were a little bit misplaced, and when it came to the goals we conceded, I thought we were a little bit passive.
“The lads tried to do everything to rectify that. It’s not a bad thing if I’m accusing the players of trying too hard!”
Barry-Murphy gave an update on Rhys Norrington-Davies who had to be stretchered off late on in the game.
“There’s no major news, apart from the fact that he’s suffered a facial injury. The main damage was to the inside of his mouth, and a little on the inside.
“It’s obviously very painful and a major worry for him and his family, but I think he was in an okay place. He has gone straight to hospital for a check-up.
“We’ve had a real bad run of injuries. We’ve got players coming back like Ollie Rathbone and Stephen Dooley, but Matty Done had a slight problem in the second half and we have Aaron Morley missing.
“It’s a difficult time, but I think it’s easy to get bogged down in everything going against you.
“I’m not trying to protest to be Mr Positive, but it is quite exciting that when you come through these periods and you prove that you can produce performances and results that show how strong you are, then the rest of the season can be extremely exciting.
“I know the lads are desperate to get wins for the Club and the supporters, who were amazing again today. I’ve always said that it’s very much about the performances and that we can’t be desperate for results, because there is no result without a performance.”
The Dale boss also reserved special praise for Aaron Wilbraham, who dedicated his brace to his late mother.
“It was two great finishes from him. I think he was determined to put a fitting honour to his mum who passed away two weeks ago. He did that in the most admirable way.”
Watch the full interview with Barry-Murphy on iFollow HERE.