McDonald finally admits: 'We are in a relegation battle'

McDonald’s struggling side are fourth-bottom of League One and two points from safety, though that gap would grow to five tonight if Doncaster won their game in hand at Scunthorpe.

The Pool boss has remained positive through all this season’s setbacks but after Saturday’s 3-0 hammering at Millwall he acknowledged his team’s plight.

Defeat at The Den left Pool with just two points from six games and McDonald said: “It’s the first time I’ve admitted it but we are in a relegation battle now.

“I’m sure we have enough to survive but we need to stand up and be counted now.

“We need to work hard and stick together to get out of this situation.

“The Millwall defeat was very frustrating and the goals we conceded were avoidable, but we have to keep positive and keep working hard.

“There weren’t positives from Saturday, for the first time this season.

“It was a poor defensive performance, and we were nowhere near the attacking play we showed the match before (the 1-1 draw at Chesterfield).”

McDonald held a meeting with chairman Karl Oyston yesterday to discuss plans for the rest of the season, with potential new signings discussed.

Newcastle midfielder Liam Smith was recruited on loan ahead of the Millwall game but remained on the bench.

But McDonald hasn’t ruled out further new arrivals. He said: “Hopefully the young lad from Newcastle can help us as he’s a good player. If we can bring anyone else in we will try to do that.”

Clubs can make loan signings until March 24.