Guy Branston today hit out at those who are already consigning him to the City scrap-heap.

The former skipper delivered a sterling display as a sub against Torquay after Andrew Davies was sent off.

Branston played a key role as the ten men beat his previous club 1-0 to give Phil Parkinson a first league success at the seventh attempt.

And then the defender rounded on the doubters that have questioned his Valley Parade future since being dropped.

Branston said: “People can’t wait to write players off here. I’ve never seen that before at any football club. You read the blogs and they can be quite harsh, saying things like ‘that’s him right out the window.’

“I’ve never had to deal with that. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been written off loads of times because I’m a professional footballer but I’ve never come to a club and six weeks in people are writing you off. It amazes me why they’d even think of doing that.

“If weak-minded players lose that mentality and start to agree with what’s being said then how can you get better?.”

Full story in today's Telegraph & Argus, including Branston on his frustration at failing to win back a starting spot against Torquay