AS SWINDON Town look to return to winning ways against Notts County boss Mark Cooper has called on his players to take responsibility on the pitch.

After the defeat to Gillingham on Tuesday, Cooper said his players needed to mature and it is that theme he continued when discussing Saturday’s fixture.

Town are bottom of the League One form table but still in touch with the promotion chasers.

After County’s visit the following three fixtures are all on the road.

It will be a test of character for the Town squad and one they cannot afford to fail.

The challenge starts with trying to dispel the funk recently surrounding the County Ground, but it would only take a couple of decent results to turn the tide.

Cooper knows that and is putting the onus on his young charges to avert the slump.

“Somewhere along the line the players have to take the responsibility,” the Town boss told the local media.

“They have to say ‘I’m going to be the one who makes the difference, I’ll be the one that’s going to get onto the end of another cross, I’m going to get to the near post and I’m going to score a goal or I’m going to make sure my man doesn’t score’.

“Now the players have got to step up and take responsibility and make sure it’s not them who makes another mistake and makes sure it’s them who makes a difference in the opposition penalty area.

“I don’t think there’s any benefit from me ridiculing or victimising the players in public.

“There’s no real gain for me because I’m asking them to die and sweat blood for the cause.

“If I come out in the press and start nailing them they’re going to say ‘well you’re asking me to run through a brick wall for you’.

“If I’m going to do it, I’ll do it in private.”

However, Cooper will not be asking his players to take responsibility for their performances in front of the media should they continue to struggle.

The players were not made available following the recent defeat to Crawley and again after Tuesday’s loss to Gillingham.

Cooper does not want them coming out and saying something in the heat of the moment they might regret in the future.

“I think they’re of an age where they’re not completely at ease with the media and straight after a game,” explained the Town boss.

“I’m not sure they’re clear in their thoughts and their thought process for what they’re going to say.

“Once they’ve played so many games or once they get to their mid-20s (they’re able to speak with a clear mind after a defeat). If you speak to Nathan (Thompson), you get a good idea.

“Nathan’s been a pro for three or four years, played a lot of games and you can tell when you speak to him that he’s collected and calm – maybe not so some of the others.”