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Craig Reid

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Reid backs under-fire Holdsworth

Newport County striker Craig Reid has come to the defence of under-fire boss Dean Holdsworth and appealed to frustrated fans to back off.

The Exiles' boss was the victim of the boo-boys after his side crashed to a 5-1 defeat against Hayes & Yeading on Saturday and many were calling for him to call it quits.

Reid however believes that the critics should shift their anger towards the players

"Saturday was not the gaffer's fault," the 22-year-old told the SouthWalesArgus.

"The fans are entitled to voice their feelings because they have paid their money but the stick Dean was getting was out of order.

"If anyone was to blame for the result it was us players. We were the ones who went out on the pitch.

"I just think it is unfair for Dean to be taking all the abuse. All the players are behind him and believe we can turn things round."

Reid scored the solitary goal on Saturday and his loan deal from Grays Athletic expires in January. The striker is adamant that the spirit in the Exiles' camp is still as strong as ever and revealed that he would like to extend his stay at the Newport Stadium.

"There is nothing wrong with the spirit," he added.

"We were absolutely gutted on Saturday because we thought they were there for the taking at half-time and we could have gone on to win.

"Obviously it all went wrong after the break because we lacked concentration and they were clinical in attack.

"It's not just the defence to blame though, we all take responsibility for what happened.

"Dean wasn't out there on the pitch and it certainly wasn't his fault.

"I'm only here because of the gaffer and as long as things stay the way they are I'd love to stay at the club beyond the end of the year.

"It's not up to me but I'd be more than happy to continue at Newport because the potential is there for us to climb the table, we just need a little bit of luck at the moment.

"If we can string two or three wins together the confidence will return to the team and we will be fine. We're in a hole but we'll get out of it."

The ex-Ipswich Town and Coventry City hitman has been on good form during his stay with the struggling Exiles team. Whilst he is satisfied with his own form the striker confesses that he would prefer it if the team were winning.

"I've scored goals and people are starting to see what I'm capable of so I am happy on a personal levelbut I'd much prefer the side was winning," said Reid.

"If it meant me not scoring and us getting a some wins over the next few weeks I'd be much happier," he explained.