Source: Team_Talk
PNE gaffer: Players behind me
Embattled Preston boss Darren Ferguson revealed his players called a meeting to show their support for him after the 2-0 home defeat to Hull.[LNB] Goals from Richard Garcia and Nicky Barmby left Preston second bottom of the Championship, and if Crystal Palace avoid defeat against Coventry on Saturday the Lilywhites will be propping up the division after a run of one win in their last eight games.[LNB]North End fans gathered near the entrance of the players' tunnel to remonstrate with Ferguson at the final whistle, while Hull's travelling supporters mocked the son of Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson with chants of "You're getting sacked in the morning" and "Your dad's ashamed of you".[LNB]The win lifts Hull out of the relegation zone and is Preston's second loss to fellow strugglers at Deepdale in a week following Tuesday's 2-1 reverse against Barnsley.[LNB]"The players are 100% behind me and they've told me that," said Ferguson.[LNB]"They called a meeting because they are worried about the situation. We're all determined to do something about it."[LNB]Asked whether he feared for his future at North End, Ferguson responded: "You're asking the wrong person. I don't make those decisions."[LNB]On the game itself, he added: "It's another disappointing evening, a disappointing result.[LNB]"The first goal was always going to be crucial in a game between two teams down there and unfortunately they got it.[LNB]"We started the second half well and that was our best period, but the second goal killed it."[LNB]"This week was an opportunity to move up the table with two home games against teams around us. They've both gone against us so it's been a hugely disappointing week."[LNB]Like his father at Old Trafford, a virus has torn through Ferguson's squad this week and he received further blows with injuries skipper Callum Davidson and fellow defender Sean St Ledger.[LNB]St Ledger was at fault for Hull's second goal - Garcia dispossessing him to set up Barmby - but the manager refused to blame the Republic of Ireland international and hailed him for playing through the pain barrier with a knee injury he collected in the sixth minute of the contest.[LNB]"Ledge was in a bit of pain at half-time and had an injection," Ferguson said. "Callum pulled his groin and couldn't continue."[LNB]Offering support for his opposite number after the match, Hull boss Nigel Pearson said: "I hope Darren gets time. He's a manager with back-to-back promotions [from his spell in charge of Peterborough] so I hope people are kind to him."[LNB]Pearson praised his players for coping with the pressure of the bottom of the table clash and building on their creditable midweek draw at Leeds.[LNB]"I think when two sides who are near the bottom play each other there is going to be a bit of anxiety," he said. "We've had two very tough away games this week so to pick four points up is pleasing.[LNB]"I'm delighted for the players tonight because we've worked very hard this week.[LNB]"Clearly so far this year our results haven't been good enough and we've struggled to come to terms with our situation, but credit to the players because there were some excellent performances."[LNB]The former Leicester boss singled out Garcia's contribution, adding: "He's had some criticism but he's added a goal to his work-rate. Good for him, he deserves the praise."
