CITY must avoid thinking the world is out to get them, Phil Parkinson has warned.

Parkinson admitted there is a danger of mental demons dragging the players down as the current drop in form coincides with a growing list of absentees.

The squad are back in training today as they build up for Saturday's trip to high-flying Rochdale.

Parkinson will check on Rory McArdle's condition after the key centre half was forced to cry off late from the Colchester loss with a stomach upset.

But he stressed that the squad must not use the absence of big players as an excuse.

He said: "We've just got to be careful we don't feel sorry for ourselves.

"We have had the setbacks with the horrific injuries and then losing McArdle.

"He's a terrific player for us. We're at the stage where we're getting these setbacks but we've got to help ourselves.

"We've got to keep going. Nobody else will help us, apart from the people in that dressing room."

Parkinson will continue his attempts to bring in another winger on loan to fill the void left by broken leg victim Paul Anderson. He would like to have that extra option in time for the Spotland clash.

He added: "We'll see what we can do on that. But it's important that we stay together.

"I thought the mood (against Colchester) was really good. We started the game really brightly which is why I was so disappointed with that first goal.

"I thought the majority of the lads kept going but we still need to do more.

"Supporters don't want to listen to me feeling sorry for myself or ourselves as a team."

Meanwhile, Fleetwood have sacked manager Graham Alexander following Tuesday's 5-1 defeat by Gillingham.

The 43-year-old has been at the club since December 2012 but has been dismissed after just two wins this season. They currently sit a point behind the Bantams in 20th spot.