Out of my control – Andy Crosby not worried about Tranmere future after loss

Andy Crosby insisted he was not thinking about his future as Tranmere manager after facing calls to go from his own fans as they lost 5-0 at Sky Bet League Two promotion chasers Notts County.

Visiting supporters chanted “we want Crosby out” as Rovers collapsed in the second half and fell to an eighth defeat in nine games.

Jason Lowe’s 15th-minute own goal separated the sides at half-time, but the visitors fell apart once Lee Ndlovu, making his first County start after signing from Barnet last month, scored less than 50 seconds into the second half.

Ndlovu scored again from close range in the 55th minute, and Jodi Jones added a deflected fourth two minutes later, before Matthew Dennis’ penalty four minutes from the end completed an emphatic win that moved County back into the automatic promotion places.

Asked if he was concerned about his future, Tranmere manager Crosby said: “That’s not for me to think about. That’s out of my control.

“What I can control is coming into the football club and doing everything that I possibly can to turn this run of form around to affect the future.

“And as I’ve alluded to, runs of defeats come to an end and sometimes they’re then followed by a run of wins. And that’s what we obviously we need to do.”

Crosby acknowledged that he had faced moments of self-doubt during Tranmere’s woeful recent run, which has left them 17th in League Two, nine points above the relegation places.

He said: “Listen, from a human point of view, there are always moments of doubt where you’re thinking, ‘Is this right? Is this wrong? Are we on the right path here?’

“But I’ve got to manage myself first and foremost because the players are looking at me and they’re looking at my response to setbacks. And do I take a step back or do I take a step forward? And I’m going to take a step forward and say it’s my responsibility.”

Crosby has the sympathy of Notts County head coach Martin Paterson, a former Scunthorpe team-mate.

Paterson said: “I played with Crosser. He was my captain at Scunthorpe, so I’ve got utmost respect for him. He’s a fantastic coach. You don’t win the things that he’s won as a coach if you’re not a good coach.

“I don’t really want to get into conversations about anybody else but myself and my football team, but what I will say is I respect him immensely.”

Paterson played down a dispute over County’s late penalty, with Dennis stepping up to convert after taking the ball away from team-mate Jones, who was visibly annoyed.

“I’m not giving too much attention to that,” Paterson said. “I know who the penalty taker is and I’ll deal with that within, I’ve actually already dealt with it – it was a one-minute conversation. There will be ramifications, but it’s not a big thing.

“It’s great. Both players want to stick the ball in the back of the net. It’s pride, it’s care for the football club.”