Fletcher tells squad to deal with losing run
Manager Carl Fletcher has called on his Plymouth Argyle squad to put the disappointment of their recent results behind them.
The Pilgrims have experienced fluctuating fortunes over the past month, losing their last four matches after winning the previous three.
Argyle take on npower League Two leaders Gillingham at Home Park today as they try to improve on their 19th position in the table.
Fletcher admitted there was a sombre mood among his players after the 2-1 defeat by Burton Albion at Home Park on Wednesday.
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The Pilgrims were beaten despite taking the lead with a fourth goal of the season from substitute Paris Cowan-Hall early in the second half.
Fletcher said: "If you are not disappointed after you lose a game, then you are in the wrong profession.
"It's about dealing with those disappointments. In life, everybody gets a knock back now and again.
"You have to deal with them and come back stronger. You can sit around moping about it, or you can take it on the chin and stand up, stick your chest out and go again. It will make you a stronger person in the long run."
Argyle are only four points clear of the relegation zone but Fletcher said: "I don't look at the league table too much. I just look to the next game and try to win it. That's all you can focus on. You can look at the league table and study it as much as you want but it's all ifs and buts. It's just a case of concentrating on what you can change."
Argyle's four straight defeats, including one against non-League side Dorchester Town in the FA Cup, have come after a promising run of results in early October.
Fletcher said: "We were going in the right direction and performing well, and we got a few wins on the bounce. But, before you know it, it's four defeats and it's a kick in the teeth. It's disappointing, but that's football. You have to get on with it. There is no point in worrying about things that have gone on in the past.
"You try to do well in every game, you try to learn from your mistakes, and you try to enjoy the games as much as you can. Everybody wants to play well and get results, but there is no point putting added pressure on it.
"Pressure is looking after my kids for five minutes and trying to stop them pulling each other's hair."
Meanwhile, the November 22 deadline for 'emergency loan' signings is fast approaching and Fletcher admitted he would "definitely" like to bolster his squad before then, but he added: "I think we would have to try to get some out before we get some in."
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