Ebbsfleet United manager Harry Watling reacts to 6-0 National League defeat at home to Solihull Moors, the Fleet’s biggest home league defeat in 33 years

Honest Ebbsfleet manager Harry Watling refused to defend his players after their second-half capitulation on Saturday.

The Fleet shipped six goals to Solihull Moors as they suffered their biggest home defeat for 33 years.

It was a stark contrast to the first half which, admittedly with a numerical advantage for long periods, the Fleet had dominated.

“I’m gobsmacked, I’m livid,” said Watling. “I’ve spoken to the players and been really clear in terms of what I’ve tried to do which I think is the right thing since I’ve been here, which is come out and protect them and take it on the chin.

“All the things that are being said, whether it’s media or fans, I’ll wear it (as) I’m the manager. I’m not having that.

“For me it was about do not start (the second half) slow because I felt they were there for the taking. Every single time the ball went up the other end we looked slow, we looked a little bit off it, we looked scared.

“I can’t accept players not running around on the football pitch and I won’t accept that.

“So, I’ve had a strong conversation with the players and just said to them in no uncertain terms, I won’t be going out to defend you this week which I have done (before) because ultimately our work throughout the week is extremely detailed.

“We give them everything, we try and make them feel like they’re two or three leagues above in terms of what we give them.

“I’m sick and tired of doing the same interview, repeating the same things and it’s becoming a little bit of a running joke now, oh you’ve said they’ve trained well, and they’ve turned out and done that which I totally agree with.

“They walked the ball in the goal, let’s not dress it up and not try to protect people or protect my job. Let’s just say it as it