Cardiff boss makes plea to fans

Last updated : 08 March 2011 By BBC Sport

Jones said he is also concerned with referees keeping a close eye on his star striker Jay Bothroyd.

"The players are trying their best and we've got to stick with these people. Booing them won't help their cause," said Jones.

"To play well and come away with nothing is frustrating for us all but we're trying to reach a level that we've had at the club in the past and we've got to stick with everybody."

Jones has stated that Bothroyd, Cardiff's leading goalscorer, is getting far too much attention from referees and also needs to get some goals under his belt in order to boost his confidence.

"Some of the decisions he does get against him are strange but only the ref can answer that," added Jones.

"At the moment Jay does seem to be hard done by, but I'm sure there's lots of teams with lots of players who will be saying the same.

"I'd just like to know if they are discussing it beforehand, why they discuss it and why they are looking out for something - that's pre-empting and that could cloud your judgement sometimes."

After the loss to Ipswich, Cardiff assistant manager Terry Burton complained Bothroyd is not being given much protection by referees, and said "he gets knocked over more times than not, but is not a diver".

Bothroyd, 28, is Cardiff's leading scorer this campaign with 17 goals and earned a first England cap this season in the friendly against France.

But the former Wolves frontman, who made his Cardiff debut in 2008, last scored for the Bluebirds during their 2-2 home draw against Reading on 1 February.

"He needs a goal - we're in the last stages of the season now and its going to take every last ounce of everybody," commented Jones.

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport