OSCAR Threlkeld had to think about it but remembered the full quote in the end.

“Football is an easy game but it’s complicated by others.”

It’s the mantra that Derek Adams swears by with his players – and probably sums up how City are currently making life difficult for themselves.

The recurring shortcomings in both penalty areas have left the Bantams bogged down in mid-table without a win in any competition in over a month.

Those frustrations came to a head when Adams launched into his team to take more responsibility after last week’s FA Cup defeat at Exeter.

Some fans were surprised to hear the manager “airing dirty linen” in public like that.

But Threlkeld, a long-time player under the Scot, knew it was coming – and has no arguments that they deserved to be called out.

“That’s the best way to be,” said the defender. “There’s no beating around the bush.

“If there’s something that needs to be said, he’s the type of manager that will say it.

“He was right to tell the media that we need to be taking our chances. The only way we’re going to win games is by scoring goals.

“Personally, I would rather him tell the truth. That’s how he is and I don’t think he’s going to change for anyone.”

Threlkeld has joked in the past that he is almost the son that Adams has never had. They have a close relationship from their time together at Plymouth.

The manager’s manner may not always be for everyone but the right back can see that it will succeed.

Threlkeld added: “He’s good to work under. His past record has shown that with the teams he’s got promoted.

“He works us hard and people do break. But it’s how you take to him.

“Some people might take to him well, others might not like him. But it’s professional sport and you have to get on with it.

“If you don’t like it, then put that behind you and step over the white line and give it your all. That’s all he asks for.

“I’ve worked with the gaffer numerous times over the years, so I know what to expect.

“He is a winner, he wants to win every game. You can see he’s not happy that we’ve won only two in 12 games.

“That’s not good enough for a manager who’s just come off a promotion and we all recognise that.

“We’re trying to find out how we can win games. We just need to put that ball in the net.”

Creating a winning mentality and having more winners in the dressing room has been a constant theme with Adams. The succession of league draws continues to hamper any progress as City head into the crucial opportunity of two home games in four days.

“If we were winning games, we don’t talk about it,” admitted Threlkeld. “But it’s not happening and we need more characters and leaders in the squad.

“Maybe with one win, we can go and kick on. We just need to find that as a team.

“We’re the ones on the pitch and can feel how the game is going to go. If we need to shut shop for five or 10 minutes, we’ve got enough experience to do that.

“The gaffer will put things into place that he wants us to do. But on the pitch, we have to do it.”

The free weekend after their cup exit has allowed everyone to catch their breath after a month spent shuttling up and down the motorways.

Now it’s about making that breather count against Colchester tomorrow night.

Threlkeld said: “Everyone came back looking sharp and wanting to work hard.

“I do feel it will benefit us. Hopefully we can win this game and then get a few on the bounce to give us the confidence and belief we need."