Blues midfielder Alan Judge admitted to being “a little bit embarrassed” following Good Friday’s 4-0 defeat at Preston, already-relegated Town’s heaviest loss of the season.

Judge, who recently signed a two-year deal with the Blues having joined on a short-term basis in January, believes confirmation of relegation to League One, which came last Saturday, had an impact on the squad.

“I'm a little bit embarrassed, to be honest with you,” the 30-year-old said. “That's the first time since I've been here there that it's been like that. I think the relegation has been hard this week.

“We usually lose by the odd or goal and have been drawing games, but that's the first time we've got properly beaten. We've only got ourselves to blame.

“I'm a bit lost for words. It just wasn't good enough everywhere, me included. I can only apologise to the fans that have travelled this far for it.

“I don't have excuses. It was us, simple as. I don't think manager or any of the players would try to sugar coat it.

“It shouldn't happen. I'm just glad there is another game Monday. Hopefully we change what happened here.”

Manager Paul Lambert was similarly scathing with his post-match comments and Judge had no argument with what his boss had to say to the squad after the match.

“Everything that is said in the dressing room stays in there, but what he said was right,” he added.

“As I said, I'm just a little bit embarrassed. We all know we're down, but we shouldn't be performing like that.

“We can't have that again. We can have an affect on what happens at the top of the league. We might be down, but for our own pride we have to give everything we can.

“If we are to get out of the league we're going into next year then a few home truths needed to be told.”

Judge paid tribute to the Blues’ support, 428 fans having made the trip to Deepdale: “The support we have had for a team that is bottom of the league is astonishing.

“The way the fans stuck around at the end of the Birmingham game after we were relegated was amazing.

“Usually the crowd would be showing their frustrations, but ours haven’t. They've stuck by us. Hopefully next year we can start giving back to them.”

Photo: TWTD

ArnieM added 10:03 - Apr 21 Let's just get this season done n dusted and build for next season, for what will hopefully be a promotion push at the first attempt. Lambert had much to do over the summer but he's already on the case , be sure of that !
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GiveusaWave added 10:09 - Apr 21 Got to admit...don't really care if we lose the last three games. What matters is how we start in League 1 next season. We've all grown used to embarrassment this season...next season it simply has to stop.
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jas0999 added 10:37 - Apr 21 Personally don't think losing the next three - heavily - will do us any good at all. We MUST perform better as folk have spent good money to attend two home matches. The performance on Friday was completely unacceptable. Lambert and Judge are entirely right to condemn it.
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Dissboyitfc added 10:40 - Apr 21 Dont agree guentchev... i think the next 3 games do matter, would be nice to get off bottom spot! Norwich finishing top and us rock bottom, thats the ultimate embarrassment, we should all have a little pride! And if we want bums on seats and season tickets sold then performances need to be there right now to give us all a little hope, of which at the moment there seems very little!

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christiand added 11:54 - Apr 21 For me, it's all about their reaction on Monday. If like Judge is saying that he was embarrassed after the Preston game lets at least see a positive response, not just from him but the whole team. Lets have a go in these last 3 games, we've nothing to lose, would rather go down fighting instead of downing tools which it seemed on Saturday.
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BlueandTruesince82 added 12:09 - Apr 21 That table will be up on bedroom walls throughout Norfolk...... If we somehow come straight back up then I suggest that PL gets to walk out alone to I am the resurrection at every home game. I think we have been competitive in most games since Lambert came in so I hope we can build on that with a couple of strikers that can score goals. More than anything we need goal scorers, 2 plus a fit Freddie ought to do. Harrison and Jackson may do ok in L1 and I really thought Harrison looked a player in preseason but IDK if he flattered to deceive in what I saw of him? Imagine if we started Bart Emmanuelle, Woolfie, Chambo (I know but it will be) Kenlock Skuse Dozzell, Downes, Judge New striker, New Striker, Sears Bench, Wright, Bishop, El Mizouri, Harrison, Lankaster, Rowe. That feels like an exciting young squad... add the experience of Collins and even if only played 1 in every 3 games I think his composure would be a massive help. Knudson undoubtedly off over the summer and I can't see Ward getting a new deal, a shame after all the promise of his debut. Adeymi surely not sticking around, I'd only expect the club to take up the option if that means getting a small fee but I'm not sure we can risk another season like the last 2 with him. That leaves Huws, talented but glass..... if someone's offered say £300k for him, given his injury record....you'd have to think about it.

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leftie1972 added 12:20 - Apr 21 I know there has been a lot of hype about Norwood and its been reported that we are definitely not interested, but I think we should be. A striker who is playing with freedom and confidence is just what we need to kick start next season. IF he does have a bit of a question over his commitment i'm sure PL would sort him out!
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Suffolkboy added 13:13 - Apr 21 We're in for another fascinating/ frustrating period in which we shall know nothing and need to know more (again ) ! Undoubtedly PL and co will be playing their cards close to the chest for a while : but from what we've seen both Kenlock and Emmanuel need to sharpen up ,both physically ,athletically and intellectually ( either they don't read the game well enough or can't produce the ‘extra' bit of acceleration to combat fast breaks) Whilst,as he's not been played & not even in the squad , it'll be a shame to lose quite a good defender in JK ,who can perform in the middle ,it looks as if he is departing .. Above all we desperately need to toughen, stop bouncing off opposition and muscle our way around the pitch providing problems rather than finding it a problem : a bit of controlled arrogance and confidence would be a welcome sight ! Every faith in the management team , certain they do know exactly how and where shortcomings need to be addressed –- So let's wait on with real interest ! COYB

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Bert added 14:48 - Apr 21 Judge is right to be embarrassed but his honesty shines through. The three games that are left are important even more so as we could determine who goes up with Norwich. We should expect a win or draw against Swansea and a point against either Sheffield or Leeds. Expect does not mean we will. The players have to perform to persuade those who have yet decided to buy season tickets. Another poor performance will not obtain the goodwill of fans, will sour the summer and may make Evans think twice about what little investment he will give Lambert.

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TractorRoyNo1 added 16:00 - Apr 21 if there is a chance we can push Nobitch into the playoffs I will be cheering for the Yorkshire Budgies and Dirty Leeds
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MrTown added 16:35 - Apr 21 Watched the interview. Could feel his hurt, so you have to respect him for that. Can we please get him back in the no.10 role.
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