Crusaders Suffer Crushing Defeat as Portadown's Determination Proves Decisive
A dismal display from Crusaders has left manager Declan Caddell feeling "embarrassed" and "disgraceful" after a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Portadown. The defeat, which saw the Crues slip to an 11th loss in 18 Irish Premiership matches, was described by Caddell as a "mentality issue" with his young side struggling to muster any real resistance.
The opening goal from Eamon Fyfe set the tone for a dismal afternoon, with Ben Wylie's double and Ben Quinn's late strike condemning Crusaders to their heaviest home defeat of the season. While Caddell acknowledged that Portadown were not at their best, he was keen to stress that his side simply did not apply themselves enough.
"We started off slow and never got going," Caddell said in a post-match interview. "We conceded at a bad time, which we have done in the past couple of weeks." The former Crusaders midfielder also felt that his team's willingness to put their body on the line was lacking, with Portadown's drive and will to win ultimately proving decisive.
Caddell has taken responsibility for any shortcomings this season, but it is clear that he is growing increasingly frustrated with the level of performance from his players. As the Crues look to bounce back from this latest defeat, they will need to do so quickly, as their next match against Cliftonville looms large in north Belfast.
While Caddell's comments may have been laced with a hint of defensiveness, it is hard not to feel that he is right in pinpointing a "mentality issue" as the primary cause of Crusaders' recent struggles. The players will need to respond quickly and decisively if they are to avoid falling further behind in the table.
For now, though, Caddell's focus remains on getting his team back on track, rather than placing blame or becoming mired in debate about his own role as manager. As he looks to steer Crusaders out of their current slump, he will need to draw on a deep well of experience and leadership if they are to have any hope of mounting a successful comeback.
A dismal display from Crusaders has left manager Declan Caddell feeling "embarrassed" and "disgraceful" after a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Portadown. The defeat, which saw the Crues slip to an 11th loss in 18 Irish Premiership matches, was described by Caddell as a "mentality issue" with his young side struggling to muster any real resistance.
The opening goal from Eamon Fyfe set the tone for a dismal afternoon, with Ben Wylie's double and Ben Quinn's late strike condemning Crusaders to their heaviest home defeat of the season. While Caddell acknowledged that Portadown were not at their best, he was keen to stress that his side simply did not apply themselves enough.
"We started off slow and never got going," Caddell said in a post-match interview. "We conceded at a bad time, which we have done in the past couple of weeks." The former Crusaders midfielder also felt that his team's willingness to put their body on the line was lacking, with Portadown's drive and will to win ultimately proving decisive.
Caddell has taken responsibility for any shortcomings this season, but it is clear that he is growing increasingly frustrated with the level of performance from his players. As the Crues look to bounce back from this latest defeat, they will need to do so quickly, as their next match against Cliftonville looms large in north Belfast.
While Caddell's comments may have been laced with a hint of defensiveness, it is hard not to feel that he is right in pinpointing a "mentality issue" as the primary cause of Crusaders' recent struggles. The players will need to respond quickly and decisively if they are to avoid falling further behind in the table.
For now, though, Caddell's focus remains on getting his team back on track, rather than placing blame or becoming mired in debate about his own role as manager. As he looks to steer Crusaders out of their current slump, he will need to draw on a deep well of experience and leadership if they are to have any hope of mounting a successful comeback.
! It's like they were the underdogs everyone wrote off, but Declan Caddell's squad just outworked 'em 
. The Crusaders are lookin' lost right now, and if they wanna turn this season around, they gotta get their act together ASAP 
. For real though, I feel for Declan, he's been at the helm for a while, but it's time for some tough love – his players need to step up their game, stat! 
Ugh, this season's Irish Premiership is just getting old. I mean, another 4-0 thrashing? That's just embarrassing for Crusaders. They're like a team in crisis mode 
. Declan Caddell's "mentality issue" thing rings true, but how hard is it to motivate your team when you're getting dominated match after match? 
. Caddell's frustration is understandable, but it's like he's not seeing the bigger picture here – his team needs a complete overhaul, not just some tweaks to their mentality. 
At least Portadown's manager didn't try to shift blame onto the ref 
. Can't say I'm surprised though, their form has been really bad lately and it's like they're not even trying anymore 
. And Declan Caddell's 'mentality issue' comment just feels like a cop-out, like he's not being honest about the team's actual struggles 
. Either way, it's not looking good for Crusaders...
portadowns determination was real tho, i mean u can see they wanted it more than crues did 4-0 is brutal but caddell has to take responsibility for his team's mindset its not just one player or a bad patch of form, its a mental block that needs to be broken 
. anyway, gotta respect caddell for takin ownership of his team's shortcomings tho 
! Like, seriously crushing it out there! The Crusaders just couldn't get their act together, and Caddell's right on the money about the mentality thing - it's all about wanting it more, you know? 
.
its not just about mentality its about execution & effort, if ur players dont wanna try then ur outta a job 
. And on the other hand, I agree that Portadown were not at their best, but still... 4-0 is a big gap to close 
. Maybe Caddell should take a closer look at his own tactics instead of just pointing fingers 
4-0 at home is like a huge deal and I'm shocked Crusaders didn't put up more of a fight! Declan Caddell says it's a mentality issue, but I think he's being kinda harsh on his team 
. They have some great talent, but maybe they need a bit of a shake-up or some fresh ideas? Caddell seems like a good guy, but he needs to keep his cool and not get too frustrated 
.
. And Caddell's got to take some blame too - he's been in charge for ages, and it seems like things have been going downhill 
.
. Maybe Crusaders just need a shake-up, or a new approach to their game plan 
. One minute I think Caddell's right, and the next I'm thinking he should be trying out some new tactics 
. Ugh, I hate being indecisive 
!