Coventry City boss Steven Pressley vows to banish players from club after FA Cup defeat to Worcester City

Coventry boss Steven Pressley has launched another scathing attack on his players in the wake of their shock FA Cup second-round exit to Worcester City.

The 2-1 home defeat to the Conference North side on Saturday had initially prompted Pressley to criticise his players’ commitment, branding their performance as inadequate. 

But footage of the Scot suggests problems may run deeper than merely their performance during Sunday’s defeat - with the former Celtic and Hearts central defender vowing to expel players he feels he can no longer defend after a succession of abject displays.

“An incident occurred after the game - which I won’t go into – that told me all I need to know about certain players. They’ll be gone; they’ll be banished from this club," Pressley said.

“Worcester wanted it more and that has never been said of one of my teams, never. And it will never be said again. 

Certain players are in a comfort zone and they’ll be gone from this football club, make no mistake, they’ll be gone.

“Certain players are in a comfort zone and they’ll be gone from this football club, make no mistake, they’ll be gone.”

Aspirations

Two goals from Sean Geddes handed Worcester what turned out to be an unassailable lead at the Ricoh Arena on Sunday, setting up a second-round tie at Scunthorpe United for the non-league side.

And with his side's FA Cup aspirations dashed, Pressley explained how the Sky Blues' defeat has affected his health, and outlined how it would have a lasting impact on the future of certain players he feels no longer deserve media protection.

“There was a frank meeting yesterday where fingers were pointed and players were told exactly how it is at this club. I will not defend them anymore,” he added.

“I defend these players with my life, all the time, but not anymore because certain individuals are not giving me, or the club, that back. 

“I cannot sleep right now because I’m so angry about Sunday’s performance. I'm so angry that we embarrassed this proud football club and everything we try and do at this club. I can’t tell you how angry I am.”

Coventry's chastened squad did at least respond in Wednesday night's Johnstone's Paint Trophy match against Plymouth, winning 2-0, with Frank Nouble scoring a stunning individual goal to settle it after Gary Madine's opener.