GRIMSBY Town's 'video nasty' will spur them on to a drastically improved performance at Chester this afternoon (3pm).
That is the hope of Paul Hurst after the Mariners boss made his squad relive their Halifax horror-show as part of their preparations for today's trip to Cheshire.
The Town players watched the full 90 minutes of Tuesday's 4-0 defeat and although Hurst admits it was uncomfortable viewing, he feels it was a necessary experience in order to guard against any repeat performances.
He told the Telegraph; "We came in the day after the Halifax game and had a look at the DVD together and I showed them the things that I wasn't happy with.
"We then had a chat about it and it was an open and frank discussion – as it needed to be.
"Wednesdays are normally their day off, but they had to come in and watch that.
"We sat them down and they had a look for themselves at what happened the night before and there was no hiding place for them.
"I've had it done to myself as a player after losing 7-0 and initially, you're not happy about it, but it does show you things that you didn't realise.
"It can be embarrassing to watch but there's certainly no denying it.
"There were some constructive comments made and certain things were aired. It wasn't comfortable watching for them, but it needed to be done.
"Hopefully it will help us to get back to the kind of performances that we're after."
The players are not the only ones who have been forced to take a look at themselves this week, with Hurst admitting that he also shoulders responsibility for the Halifax defeat.
And after confirmation of Rob Scott's departure this week, he insists he is now the 'first port of call' when things go awry.
He continued: "Unfortunately, we can't change the past but we can shape and mould the future.
"Ultimately, we want results and that's what we're focusing on now.
"Of course I've had to look at myself as well. I'm the manager and I pick the team so the first port of call is with me.
"But it's a case of the players standing up to be counted, turning it around and getting those results because, if we do, I know we're more than capable of going on a good run.
"We'll prepare right for Chester and the motivation is certainly there after the result and performance on Tuesday night. I'm confident that it will turn around and we'll see an improvement."
