Cottee: Don't blame me

The pint-sized ex-Everton and West Ham striker told the Times Group that despite the team's poor performances on the pitch, there were other problems behind the scenes at the club.

"When I left I could have said this and that but I didn't want to. As far as I am concerned I think everyone should have shut up. I feel that I am being blamed for it.

"I did feel, personally, that the comments were unfair. I think people should always take responsibility themselves. There were many problems, most of which were not visible to the supporters, which I don't want to go into," he said.

After Cottee's departure, director of football John Still suggested that the players were both unfit and disorganised but Cottee felt this simply wasn't the case.

"The bottom line was that the players did not perform on the pitch. I would not agree with John Still but he is entitled to his opinion.

"It would have been nice for me to stay as a player but with all due respect I went to Barnet to be a manager. But when it became obvious that I would not be able to select the team I felt that I should not be at the club anymore.

"I got on well with the players. I think it was very difficult because I was player-manager. You cannot do everything and as the results started to get worse it became even harder."

But the Bees' former boss still felt that the club could have avoided relegation after his departure and says that the onus is now on the players to prove they are of Third Division standard.

"The team had ten games to get themselves out of the situation but I am very sorry the club has gone down. It is up to the players to work as a team and to prove they are good enough for the Third Division."

The 35-year-old has no firm plans for his future after being released by Millwall but is considering his options over the next month.

The 35-year-old has no firm plans for his future after being released by Millwall but is considering his options over the next month.