SHOCKED, shattered and speechless, a very brave Tom Soares came out to apologise on behalf of the Bury players following the 6-0 defeat to Coventry on Saturday.

The versatile midfielder struggled to put into words exactly how he was feeling after being hit for six at the Ricoh Arena, but he had one clear message ahead of Tuesday night's visit of Sheffield United: “We have got to give more on the pitch.”

The 29-year-old has been a pivotal part of the team this campaign, making 34 appearances following his promotion-clinching goal at Tranmere on the final day of last season.

But morale has taken a battering over the past two months following a run of just two wins in 12 games.

Saturday's defeat – the club's worst in 27 years – left Soares feeling embarrassed but even more determined to get results back on track.

“The way I feel and the words I want to say I don't think I should say them,” Soares said.

“It's very disappointing. We let ourselves down, we let the fans down, we let the staff down, I don't know what to say.

“We just want to say sorry. It's hard for them watching us.

“We have got two home games. I know it's difficult and it's hard to say but we have got to move on, put it to bed and move on to the next game and hopefully we'll build from there."

Soares has been utilised in a number of positions this term – from right-back to attacking-midfield – and although his preferred position is in central midfield, the former Stoke City and Crystal Palace man says he is happy to play anywhere for the good of the team.

But one thing that does concern the midfielder is the amount of goals leaked at the back, and he is hoping to put a stop to that when Sheffield United visit Gigg Lane on Tuesday.

“We have conceded nine goals in our last two games. It's difficult to let it go but you have to," he said.

"You can't be going into Tuesday's game the same. You have got to be positive and go into the game believing we can win and I'm pretty sure we will.

“The boys, we have got to give more on the pitch. It's a tougher league, we come against better players and performances like that and a result like that is embarrassing.

“I prefer playing in the middle but I just want to be on the pitch and no matter where I play I'll always give 110 per cent.

“I'm just happy to be on the pitch doing my part for the team.”