Johnson’s scathing attack on his players

KIRK Millar challenges for a cross at Meadow Lane. The forward was substituted after 35 minutes

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FURIOUS Lee Johnson couldn’t bear to talk to his players at the end of a “terrible” performance at Notts County - for fear he might blow his top.

Even with talisman James Tarkowski back from suspension for Saturday’s game at Bristol City, the angry manager has promised two new loan signings to shake things up.

Dismal in the first half, Athletic were rescued before the interval by an Adam Rooney goal — his fifth of the season — which cancelled Danny Haynes’ opener.

But more shambolic defending in a Tarkowski-less back four helped the Magpies to two further second-half goals through substitute Yoann Arquin and Callum McGregor.

Jonson Clarke-Harris’s thumping free-kick didn’t provide much consolation for a raging Johnson, who felt his team had missed out on a chance to land three points.

“You realise how much you miss people at times, don’t you? It stood out like a sore thumb how we missed Tarky,” said Johnson, who apologised to the travelling 277 fans for the team’s performance.

“It is not good enough. We had two experienced centre-halves in there in Jonathan Grounds and Genseric Kusunga and they didn’t organise anyone.

“It was terrible. I don’t know what was wrong with them. We were second-best to everything and were lucky to be 1-1 at half-time.

“I was thinking of making three substitutions after half an hour. It was only because we had a few niggles that I couldn’t.

“Kirk Millar was ineffective on the day. At least Jonno Clarke-Harris put himself about a bit with some aggression.

“It was so naive of the players. We knew they were there for the taking, this team. They had injuries and if you wanted to play them at any time, this was it.

“I am disappointed and angry. We didn’t deserve to win the game because of our first-half performance. Overall, there are no complaints — apart from with my players.

“I am angry, I couldn’t even go in the dressing room to talk to anyone; I might have ended up in a fight.”