Luke Offord says Crewe Alexandra players have held a meeting and resolved to take responsibility for improving results on the pitch.

The captain revealed the squad have held their own talks, and also spoken with the management team, after a sequence of disappointing displays in League Two.

Now Offord, who has made more than 100 appearances for the club, said they are looking forward to this weekend’s visit of Leyton Orient in the FA Cup (Saturday, 3pm).

He said: “The two recent away games, at Barrow and Tranmere, have been nowhere near our standards.

“We have to get back to the basics and work hard for each other.  

“We’ve held a players’ meeting and we all spoke about what we need to improve on, because it’s not been good enough.

“We’ve also had a big chat with the gaffer and the staff, because they give us everything they can, but it’s us that go on the pitch.

“Games we’ve lost, like against Stevenage and Mansfield, they have come from mistakes – the staff can’t do anything about that! It’s us on the pitch and we need to step up and get back to winning football matches. 

“We have a good changing room, full of a lot of players who really care. There was a lot said in the meeting, and I think that meeting will only help us going forward.”

Offord’s own form has been excellent this season, and he is determined to set an example for his teammates.

He added: “I’ve got to be an example to everyone, and make sure everyone trains properly every day, brings consistency in games, and don’t drop their standards.

“Since the start of the season, I think I’ve done well. I always work as hard as possible and do my best, but I think I can still do more.  

“We have a lot of people coming back from injury now, and there will be more competition for places, so everyone has to be on their game. 

“The FA Cup game is something I’m looking forward to. We need to have a cup run - I want to get as far as possible.

“Leyton Orient are top of their league, but I think it is a good time to play them. We have to bounce back and give a good performance at home.

“The fans are entitled to their opinion and I understand their frustration, so we need to give them something to cheer about, and hopefully they’ll get behind us.”