DOUGIE Freedman admits a losing mentality in the Wanderers squad is making life even more difficult in the Championship.

After watching his side slip 1-0 at Leeds United despite dominating the game, the Whites boss delivered a damning assessment.

A 10th defeat of the season – and fourth in his charge – came as a result of Luciano Becchio’s 66th- minute penalty, given away by Tyrone Mears for a clumsy tackle on Ross McCormack.

And though Freedman reckoned he had no complaints with the performance at Elland Road, he was angered that his team had failed to hold on to a point.

“I feel I have inherited a bunch of players that need to start learning what winning and losing really is,” he said. “There have been too many defeats here over the last three or four years.

“We have got to change the mentality around the place and that’s not just Tyrone, it’s everyone. Sometimes you need to see games out, call it a draw and head home.

“We played some good football at times, created most of the chances and controlled the game throughout.

“We had a crazy 10-minute spell when the crowd had a little shout and conceded a needless penalty, which gives the critics time to point the finger and say we didn’t win again.”

Wanderers’ lack of consistency has seen them fail to register back-to-back victories since March and fail to keep a clean sheet on their travels in the league since last August.

“I have been here for 12 games and I have assessed many things that are wrong with the club,” Freedman said.

“Let’s not hold punches here – there are many things that need to change and on the pitch is one of them.

“We have got to start learning that when we control a game like we did today that clean sheets are vital.

“I think we have got to understand the division we are in and what it takes.

“The attitude of several individuals has got to be one of seeing these games out.

“You can’t just play in spells, you need consistency, and that will come with results.”

Freedman insists that progress on the pitch is being made, albeit less rapidly than many Wanderers fans would like.

And with the January window now open, it seems likely that the manager will look to new recruits in order to kickstart the campaign.

“I can’t talk for how the fans are feeling but I do think we are progressing in terms of the way we are playing,” he said. “But there is a mentality at this football club about not winning games and it has been there for three or four years.

“That is what we need to change. It is going to take time.

“The fans can see the effort is there and that we are controlling games but several individuals have got to start learning what winning and losing is all about.”