BRIAN Kidd sensed problems before his side went out to take on West Ham. The Rovers boss revealed that, for the first time since he took over, he had "sniffed" some apprehension in the players.

It cost them the first half when West Ham inflicted the two-goal damage that sent Rovers tumbling to another defeat.

And Kidd stressed that they must be prepared to take risks if they are to achieve their goal of staying in the Premiership.

"We were cautious and apprehensive in the first half and that's the first time I have really seen us like that," he said.

"It was as though they were concerned about making a mistake.

"But I told them at half time not to worry about that. I'll take the flak, that's my job, it's not going to be a problem for me.

"I'm not a lad who looks for excuses and my back's broad enough to bear it.

"I can understand why they were apprehensive. We had two wingers in midfield and young David Dunn's natural position is not as a holding player.

"Unfortunately, we have been ripped apart in the last month.

"I have a lot of sympathy for the players and I don't think it helps playing the way we have been. That isn't me.

"But it has been forced upon us.

"It's difficult when the players are worried about making mistakes but you have to play with some element of risk.

"Be cautious and you get nowhere."

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