County 'tactically naive' during Rovers defeat - Perry

Former Newport County defender Jason Perry has criticized manager Christian Fuchs' tactics in Saturday's 3-0 loss at Bristol Rovers.

The Exiles are second bottom in League Two, three points from safety, and with a difficult run of February fixtures to follow supporters might be fearing the worst.

Perry thinks both Fuchs and the players need to take responsibility.

"I know it's a change of manager but we're 18 games in and saying the same things," said Perry after the damaging loss at relegation rivals Rovers.

"Tactically, I think they were naive today.

"You need to start holding strong characters to account. You can't hide. This is a relegation fight. So if your manager is hiding from it, that worries me.

"These players need to play a form of football they've all agreed with and if the other 10 aren't you need to point a finger at them."

Fuchs, who took over the reins at Rodney Parade in November, raised eye brows last month when he dismissed suggestions his side are in a relegation battle. The former Austrian international, however, was left frustrated after his side's dismal display at the Memorial Stadium.

He has been given extra resources with six new recruits during the January transfer window, including the deadline-day signing of midfielder Sven Sprangler on loan from St Johnstone.

Despite this, Perry believes chairman Huw Jenkins shares some of the responsibility for County's precarious position.

"You've got to play to your budget. I think Huw's ego is bigger than his budget. They're trying to play a way they can't afford," added Perry.

"You can't compete with the other budgets in this league. Find a different way to win football games, you've got to build a platform based around winning games.

"Where Newport County stand now, they can't afford to go out of this league."