It was difficult to argue with Tony Humes’ frank and forthright assessment of his side’s insipid performance against Rochdale.

It is rare to hear a manager criticise his players in public at any level.

So for the Colchester United boss to question their desire and attitude was a big call.

He clearly felt badly let down by his side’s lacklustre performance.

More specifically, Humes suggested his players did not work hard enough.

That is probably the hardest thing for any professional to hear from their own manager.

Some disgruntled U’s fans say they are already running out of patience with Humes, despite him only having been in charge for fewer than four months.

They point to his rapid squad rebuilding as one of the reasons for their recent slump, with the likes of Jabo Ibehre, Marcus Bean and Dan Holman all sent out on loan and others such as Dominic Vose and David Wright having left the club completely.

Others have highlighted the omission of experienced defensive duo Sean Clohessy and Ben Gordon as a key factor in Colchester’s alarming defensive deterioration which has seen them ship 14 goals in their last four games.

But Humes has not been helped by long-term injuries to the likes of Magnus Okuonghae, Drey Wright and Frankie Kent.

And he surely needs more time to shape his side, ahead of next month’s transfer window.

How Colchester perform in crucial games this month will seemingly play a big part in dictating any changes he makes in January.

There is still hope, with more than half of the season to be played.

Almost a year ago to the day, the U’s found themselves facing a similarly bleak scenario, having lost 4-0 at home to fellow strugglers Notts County.

On that occasion, they bounced back by winning their next two matches, against teams in and around them in the table.

A repeat recovery will make all the difference to the U’s fortunes heading into the New Year.

But for that to happen in this season of goodwill, Humes’ wish for his players to up their efforts needs to be granted.