'We let him down' - Kevin Nolan rang 'hurt' Calderwood after sacking

Nolan phoned long-time friend Calderwood shortly after he was told that the club were parting ways with him on Monday. The vastly experienced former Scotland international, and ex-Northampton manager, has since stepped up from his role as technical director to take charge of the first-team on a short-term basis.

"Kev rang me on Monday afternoon to tell me the news,” said Calderwood on Thursday. “It’s obviously really unfortunate and we’re missing him already. He was a big presence in the building.

"But then it’s just about continuing with your job. We got the lads together on Tuesday and you have to focus on training and put your disappointment to one side. We all let him down and we’re all culpable for the mistakes that led to him losing his job.

"We have to push forward now and try and get a response from the group and get an uplift in performance. The players also have to continue with their attitude because they’ve been trying unbelievably hard and that has to carry on, but we also need points and wins.”

Asked what the reaction has been like among the players as they prepare for Saturday’s big game against Burton, Calderwood added: "Virtually everyone has contacted Kev because he’s a very human person and he’s a very good guy. I’ve known him for a long time and there’s the personal side to it, which is regret and disappointment. Everyone is accountable and it hurts a little bit more when you like the person.

“Everyone feels that hurt and the atmosphere was a little low on Tuesday so we’ve had to try and lift spirits and freshen them up and get them going again. A lot of us have experience of these situations and often the best thing to do is to go out there and work hard and that's what we’ve done this week.”