Declan Caddell demands Crusaders response after 'worst day of the season so far'

Caddell was scathing in his criticism after watching the Crues fall to a third consecutive Premiership loss and continue what has been a horrid run of form at Seaview – no top-flight team has collected fewer home points this season than their four from eight matches.

Crusaders currently sit 10th, eight points clear of basement club Glenavon, and are now preparing for a tough run consisting of two North Belfast derbies alongside clashes against reigning champions Linfield and leaders Larne across their next four fixtures.

Having spent the entirety of his playing career representing Crusaders and winning three Irish League titles in the process, Caddell is well aware of what is required to thrive in the Premiership and has called for his players to stand up to the challenge.

"It can't get much worse,” he told the club’s media channel. “There's no time to feel sorry for ourselves.

"They were told some home truths about the performance, it's unacceptable for this football club.

"We have four points now out of 24 at home this season, which is another disgraceful statistic. This used to be a fortress and we need to get back to that quickly.

"We're giving teams too much respect, gifting them goals, leads in games, and when we're getting opportunities we aren't taking them as we should. You get nothing in this league if you're not going to work hard for it.

"It'll (response on Tuesday) say a lot to me about their character and what they want for their careers.

“It doesn't matter whether you're here 10 years, two years or only in the door, when you put on that jersey you have to give 100%.

"The players have got praise for our play in certain aspects, the goals we've scored, but you need to then keep those levels. I'm looking for a response come Tuesday.

"They need to stand up and look at themselves. We have to go again. There's no better game now than Cliftonville.

"They're flying high, well drilled and well coached and have momentum...if we turn up the way we did (on Saturday) with the same mentality and attitude, we'll get beat four again. We have to learn quickly and move on from it."

Three of Crusaders’ five league wins so far this season have came against the two teams sitting below them – Carrick Rangers and Glenavon – but Caddell has called for greater consistency regardless of opposition.

"You always talk about the league being split full-time and part-time and you look forward to the big games, but ultimately you have to deliver in every game - that's the bottom line,” he added. “We've struggled against the top four or five this season, picked up points against teams around us, but (Saturday) was a disgrace.

"I look myself in the mirror as I always do to make sure I did enough, the players need to do the same.

"They've no time to feel sorry for themselves. Big fixtures are coming up and they need to stand up, regardless of age, and earn that jersey and appreciate playing for this club."