'Keeper apologises for performance but determined to put things right next week

Chris Kirkland had his say on Latics' 4-0 defeat to Blackpool on Saturday afternoon, bitterly disappointed with the performance, knowing there's plenty of work to do ahead of next weekend's game against Chelsea.

Kirkland led the team out against the Seasiders as captain, but believes that every player was accountable in the defeat;

"Not good enough from all of us, myself included - I should've done better with a few of the goals," said Kirkland.

"We've started off extremely sloppy and got what we deserved.

"Blackpool looked fitter and as though they wanted it more and in the end got the result they deserved.

"Each to a man we failed today and we have to take the stick that will come our way and pick ourselves up for next week.

"Myself and everyone else in the team will be working extremely hard next week to make sure we put things right."

Kirkland went on to credit Blackpool with their display, but is determined for the whole squad to right the wrongs in the coming week;

He said; "The gaffer was understandably unhappy. We failed him and we failed the fans and we're very sorry.

"It doesn't matter who you're playing against, if we perform like that we deserve to get beaten by lower-league teams not just Premier League.

"We've all been embarrassed today, but credit to Blackpool they wanted it more and deserved it.

"I'm sure on Monday we'll have a meeting and everyone will have their words to say then on the game."