Ryan Lowe has defended Bambo Diaby with the Preston North End defender coming in for huge criticism after losing 4-2 to Blackpool.
PNE made the trip to Bloomfield Road on Saturday with fans hoping for better than this time last year.
North End lost 2-0 at Blackpool last year and whilst this was a better performance, it was another derby day defeat.
Jerry Yates headed Blackpool in front from close range before Ben Whiteman dispatched a penalty past Chris Maxwell following great work from Emil Riis.
North End seemed to take control of the game but Charlie Patino’s goal out of nowhere put Blackpool in front and rocked PNE.
Yates made it 3-1 and whilst a Callum Connolly own goal gave PNE late hope, CJ Hamilton finished it off with goalkeeper Freddie Woodman up the pitch chasing a leveller.
Fans trudged back to Preston angry and hurt once again with derby day defeat never feeling too great.
There are always fall guys when defeats like this happen and sadly it’s defender Diaby taking the brunt of the frustration.
Diaby was introduced as a second half substitute with Greg Cunningham going down injured.
Diaby went into the centre of Ryan Lowe’s back three with Liam Lindsay shifting over to the left side.
The Senegalese defender has barely featured this season due to injury and appears to have taken a step back as a result.
Diaby showed real promise last season and earned himself a two-year deal but Saturday was a tough afternoon.
Patino’s goal seemed to skid past Diaby right in front of Woodman before Yates nipped in front of Diaby to head in number three.
Supporters have slated Diaby on social media but Lowe has publicly defended the centre back.
Speaking to iFollow, Lowe admitted that Diaby was ‘upset’ in the dressing room after the final whistle.
Lowe noted that Diaby shouldn’t have lost Yates for the third but made it clear that this defeat isn’t just one person’s fault and attempted to absolve Diaby of sole blame.
“They’re disappointed, Bambo’s disappointed, he’s upset,” said Lowe. “He’s lost his man and he shouldn’t be losing him but it’s not his fault, he’s taken responsibility and we take responsibility collectively, it’s never just one man’s fault,” he added.