NICKY SOUTHALL believes the players have to take a large share of the blame for the departure of Ronnie Jepson.

“It highlights one thing in that as individuals we didn’t perform and all the players have to take responsibility,” said the 34-year-old.

“At the end of the day the manager picks the team, we haven’t performed and it’s the manager that gets it in the neck, and it’s not nice.

“It wasn’t good news to wake up and find out your manager has resigned.

“The players have to take a look at themselves because we’re responsible for a manager losing his job.”

Southall, who has made more than 300 appearances for the club, was signed by Jepson in January for a third spell at Priestfield after leaving Nottingham Forest.

FULL STORY IN MONDAY'S MEDWAY MESSENGER