Jon Whitney apologises after Walsall defeat

A Josh Morris hat-trick and Neal Bishop goal saw the League One leaders run out convincing and comfortable winners on Tuesday evening.

After falling 2-0 down, Erhun Oztumer sparked hope of a Saddlers comeback when he netted on the stroke of half-time.

But the disciplined Iron proved too strong with Graham Alexander's side running out clear and deserved winners.

"The word is woeful," Whitney said.

"I want to apologise to the supporters who came and watched us. I'm hurt. And I never thought one of my teams would lay down like we did.

"Of course the goals have come at difficult times. But again the naivety of some of play is beyond belief.

"They have got to realise that what they do has a consequence. Not just in football but in life as well.

"It affects my family, my mortgage. It was men versus boys. They out powered us in every position.

"I have asked them to have a good, long, hard look at themselves. That is supposed to be a reflection of a Jon Whitney team but that is not what I'm about. That is what hurts for me."

Whitney revealed he will hold a meeting with his players tomorrow to discuss the performance.

"I told them some home truths in the dressing room," he continued.

"I wanted them to hurt like I hurt and they will have the chance to have their say tomorrow.

"I have so much belief in these players but it can't just come from me. It has to come from them as well.

"If they want to be in this environment where they can self-manage, there has to be a consequence. If they perform like that, they are in the next day.

"There are players who I gave a shirt too who have let me down. There are players on the bench who I know would love to have that shirt.

"Now we have to reflect and put it to bed. We cannot have that kind of performance again, because if we do I will be quickly out of work."