'Embarrassed' City bosses warn players

Chairman John Wardle has urged Manchester City's players to "take a long look at themselves" after their mauling by Wigan.

City were thrashed 4-0 at the JJB Stadium on Saturday, a defeat Wardle described as "embarrassing" to watch.

He told the club's official website, www.mcfc.co.uk: "I was at the game and could fully understand the reaction of our supporters who were there. I can also appreciate why some left early and I shared their anger."

He added: "I want the players to take a long look at themselves this week. They must understand that the performance was unacceptable.

"As chairman of the football club, I sat with the board of directors and, man for man, we were totally embarrassed by what happened on the pitch.

"This club is not used to this type of performance and will not accept it. We are determined to put this right."

Wardle insisted he would make additional funds available to strengthen the squad in January, if necessary, and claimed he would welcome any outside investment into the club.

"As a major shareholder, I would be the last person to stand in the way of anyone who wished to come in with investment to move the club forward," he said.

"We will support the manager in the January transfer window. We have already invested a net £8.5million in players this year and we will continue to look for opportunities to improve the squad.

"Our supporters have always been tremendously loyal and I thank them for that. We must now all pull together and get behind the team in the coming weeks and months."