Swindon interim boss criticises intensity after ‘dreadful’ loss, vows to tackle them head-on

The Robins have two wins in 10 games since Gunning was appointed in January

Swindon took the lead against the Reds and had more shots but conceded twice during the second half to lose.

“Dreadful, no intensity, no appetite to be a successful team and that’s why we are where we are in the table,” Gunning told BBC Radio Wiltshire.

“It’s not formations, it’s not technical ability, it is heart. Wear your heart on your sleeve, graft and that is the bare minimum.

“If you don’t graft and work your tail off you are going to come up short in every game at this level because the difference in teams and quality is minimal.”

After Michael Flynn left on January 15, Gunning, who had previously worked as Swindon’s development phase loans manager, was hired to the position and given until the summer.

At that point, Swindon was ranked fifteenth in the standings and had only won three of their previous fifteen games. However, the team’s fortunes have not improved, and they are now even farther down the fourth division.

“We don’t do our jobs and when you’re not professional enough as a whole – and I include myself in this – this has got to be better,” Gunning stated.

“The problem is that there are some amazing players there for the level; they just need to have self-confidence and be prepared to put in a lot of effort.

“There’s no point being a great player for the level and not performing because otherwise you’re wasting your own time as well.”

Swindon, who play Doncaster Rovers at home on Saturday, has allowed 68 goals so far in League Two, more than any team save Notts County, Salford City, and Sutton United.

“We’re simply making mistakes that lead to goals; in the end, it’s incredibly upsetting for the supporters and everyone concerned. It has to hurt and have greater meaning for us as a staff and football squad, Gunning continued.

“It was dull, it was everything that a team at this level cannot be. I mistakenly believed that we had moved past that. This is undoubtedly a significant obstacle to simply having the realism.