It’s down to us — skipper

Dean Furman

RETURNING captain Dean Furman didn’t travel to Bournemouth — but he knows the score.

The midfield general will play tonight at Hartlepool after serving his one-match suspension and says that out-of-form Athletic can’t afford to let their guard slip again.

“The boys are as gutted as anyone and there is only us that can stop it from happening,” said Furman.

“We have to not let our confidence drop. We showed we can beat anyone with the way we played against Crewe and Preston and also performed so well at Sheffield United.

“But we know as well that when we are not on our game, teams can beat us.

“We have to make sure that every day in training and in matches we are on our game.

“For whatever reason, that has slipped over the past few games.

“Bad form, lack of concentration — whatever anyone wants to call it — we know ourselves it is not good enough.”

Hartlepool may be bottom of the table on only eight points, but Furman (pictured, below)) says his side still face a tough test.

“Every team down there is scrapping for points,” he added. “They have a new manager who will come in with new ideas and they will be disappointed with their result on Saturday (lost 5-0 to Coventry).

“It will definitely be a battle. No game is easy and we will work hard to prepare for it.”