SIMON Grayson has told his Blackpool side they must be big enough to take the flak being thrown at them after the derby defeat on the chin.
But he's instructed them to make the critics eat their words by storming back at Wolves on Saturday.
Pool face what appears the toughest of trips to the home of the runaway Championship leaders.
But Grayson reckons his players have every chance of causing an upset because they will be so stung by the reaction to the Preston loss.
"There is a lot of criticism around but the players have got to accept all that comes their way," said the Seasiders boss, who yesterday forced his team to watch a rerun of Sunday's defeat to learn from their mistakes.
"We have a group of players who are hurt and they have got to respond.
"Those were the strongest words I've had to have with my players in the dressing room for a long time.
"I was bitterly disappointed because of how we folded.
"We crumbled and my players are well aware of what I think. You throw a few opinions around in the dressing room and yesterday we had a chance to talk about it further.
"We had the bragging rights over Preston last year, which everybody loved.
"Now the boot is on the other foot and we've got to accept the criticism because of what this match means to people.
"Of course I'm down but I will pick myself up. The players too and I expect them to respond.
"It could be good that we are playing someone like Wolves, who will be big favourites.
"After we lost to Burnley earlier in the season – another local derby in which we did not play well – we went to Birmingham and surprised everyone by winning.
"I know Wolves are in great form and are a top team, but I believe in this group of players and I think they will give a really good account of themselves."
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