GARY Megson said his side need not have bothered turning up for their Carling Cup defeat at Stamford Bridge.

The Wanderers boss was left fuming as his side were swept away in their fourth round clash by the league leaders, with goals from Salomon Kalou, Florent Malouda, Deco and Didier Drogba.

Megson made four changes to the side that beat Everton but claimed his fringe players had not capitalised on their chance to shine.

“We would have been better off saving the money on travel,” the manager complained. “Our supporters were the only ones who performed anything like they should have done.

“We would have been better off not bothering because it was a poor performance. The passing was poor — nowhere near their standard, which you’d expect — but you wouldn’t think they would be stronger, or more committed.

“A lot of people who have been waiting for their opportunity haven’t taken it tonight.

“That is our worst performance, not just of this season, but for a long, long time.”

The Wanderers boss did single out the travelling support, who had sold out their allocation of tickets, travelling to west London in 20 free coaches laid on by the club. “The fans were terrific, full stop. It was 4-0 and they were still singing, and we need that.

“We have got to put that down to a complete and utter waste of time. Individually, we wouldn’t have too many people who wouldn’t have said that was their worst performance of the season. It was an abject performance.

“We wanted to do well in this competition but we chucked it away.”

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti said the result would have no bearing on his side’s return journey to the Reebok on Saturday.

“We know that Saturday will be another kind of match, so we must be ready for Bolton.”