Neal Ardley said he noticed a complete lack of spirit in Notts County’s dressing room from the first day he arrived, but admitted it was a result of managerial changes.
The Magpies boss was appointed last November having been tasked with the job of saving the club from relegation to the Football League.
He was the third manager of the season after Kevin Nolan was sacked in August before Harry Kewell arrived only to be sacked after just 10 weeks.
Having effectively signed a new team in January in his quest to keep Notts up, it meant he had three different sets of players to manage.
And the Magpies boss said the result meant there was always going to be divides in the camp, but said he did not want it to be an excuse for their downfall.
“There’s no doubting that three managers in a year, you end up with this situation,” he said.
“You can’t expect to have three managers and expect it to go well.
“You’ve got three different sets of players, and there’s obviously going to be a split in the camp.
“The spirit is not there and you’ve got a group coming in late to try to save the day by which time you are nine points adrift.
“From the first day I walked in I noticed the spirit, as well as a number of other things, were not there.
“I don’t want to stand here and look like I am making excuses. I don’t want this written as if I am trying to make myself look better.
“This is not about me and there are so many things that I cannot say.
“There are so many things I would like to, but it’s not the time. We are all raw.
“I hope the fans stay strong and next season we get all the success they deserve.”
