Mark Cooper tells Notts County players: 'Your careers are on the line'

Notts County manager Mark Cooper has launched a scathing criticism of his side following their 4-0 defeat at Portsmouth, saying they concede "ridiculously bad goals" and that their footballing careers are at stake.

The four-goal thrashing at Fratton Park on Friday was preceded by a 4-1 defeat against Exeter City at Meadow Lane, leaving the Magpies in the lower reaches of League Two.

"I said to the players after the game on Saturday that it doesn't matter what formation, or what players are out there, you keep conceding ridiculously bad goals," Cooper said.

"For this to stop, it has to come from within. You must show desire and must take responsibility.

"I was surprised at how basic the goals were. If Richard Dryden had played centre-back we would not have conceded four and he's 45 or 46.

"They need to realise that careers are at stake and players' contracts are up. Whether they are going to stay here or move on, they have to be better."

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