DORCHESTER Town manager Craig Laird felt “devastated” after the Magpies’ 3-0 derby defeat to Weymouth at the Avenue Stadium in the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier.

Laird’s comments were made in relation to the Magpies’ poor start to the new league season, which has yielded four defeats and one win from five games.

But Laird is defiant, despite audible chants from supporters calling for him to step down.

He said: “It’s not going to change my character. I’m disappointed about the way we’ve started the season with the squad we’ve put together, I’m gutted by it. I feel the hurt as much as the supporters.

“I am devastated by our performances and the performances of some individuals. But, the buck stops with me, I have to look at myself. Am I picking the right players and giving them the opportunity?

“There has to be choices made. Either I go, and that’s up to the board, or some of the players will have to go and make room for players to come in.”

And the Magpies’ boss reiterated his desire to “fight for the supporters” following the derby defeat.

He said: “I’m here to fight for the supporters, that’s what I’ve been brought in for and what I have a good track record of doing that with Weston and Bridgwater.

“I took them up through the leagues and I don’t see why I can’t do that here, given time.”