Paul Merson has given the PFA site, gimmefootball.com, a revealing interview following Saturday’s game.

On the Doncaster result, he said that “the lads worked very hard for the result, and if they can keep playing with that enthusiasm and work rate they can live with anyone”.

He was also asked about the disquiet amongst the fans before the game and said: “I believe the only reason this is happening is because I am manager. If I wasn’t then I don’t believe anyone would be under that much supposed pressure. Some people are saying that we need a manager in charge with experience, but I talk to fans and, in my opinion, I still think the majority of them are behind me. I would rather the fans that are going to demonstrate come and sit outside my house after the game. That sort of thing doesn’t help the players. We need to win games but I’d rather supporters were digging at me – even though it’s not nice – than digging at the players. However, football changes quickly”.

On the pressure of Management: “It is hard to talk about what constitutes pressure. I know it sounds corny but pressure is putting dinner on the table for the kids, however I think the tide will change with a bit of luck here and there. I have to keep a cool head because if I start showing signs of pressure then that will relay to the players and god knows what will happen? I have told them not to panic, as it will come right. If I am running round like a blue-arsed fly, panicking and starting to go grey, that isn’t going to look good for the lads. I have to give them confidence. If, god forbid, anyone else came in they would want five players all around 30 years of age. Not many people play kids under so-called pressure. I don’t think other people would play the kids like I have.”

On Ian Roper: “Cometh the hour cometh the man. Ian Roper was different class. I had picked him by last Saturday night after our result at Huddersfield last week. I couldn’t wait any longer for him. He will run through a brick wall for you, so I am going to play him and he will have to get his fitness back the hard way. He is well liked here and if he performs well then he is going to get a good crowd for his testimonial game. He never lost a header or a tackle and was outstanding”.