Bristol Rovers: Mark McGhee was let down by players - Adam Virgo

Bristol Rovers centre-back Adam Virgo believes the players let Mark McGhee down following the manager's sacking.

The 54-year-old was dismissed following a 4-1 defeat at York which leaves the club sitting second from bottom in the Football League.

"This season, if everybody looked in the mirror, it hasn't been good enough for him," Virgo told BBC Points West.

"We've all got good CVs behind us but for some reason it just hasn't worked while he's been manager."

McGhee took over at the Memorial Stadium from Paul Buckle, who lasted just seven months at Rovers, on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

The former Aberdeen, Brighton and Millwall boss guided the club away from the relegation zone and they finished in 13th in League Two at the end of the last campaign.

Rovers were tipped as possible promotion contenders this season but they have been hampered by injuries and struggled for form, with McGhee previously calling the club's position "embarrassing" before he was fired.

Chairman Nick Higgs has previously spoken about the sympathy he had with McGhee's situation because of injuries within the squad, but decided to act following a run of nine defeats in the last 11 matches.

"Unfortunately for Mark at the time we just weren't getting results for him and of course the players take responsibility for our performances and for the results too," Virgo added.

"Everyone believed what he was doing was right, but just on a Saturday that's what the whole world sees.

"For me he's always been a good manager and still will be. He might go onto somewhere else and be fantastic.

"I'm sure down the line he'll learn from mistakes he's made and he'll definitely get another job.

"You want the right appointment and sometimes the quick appointment's not necessarily the right appointment.

"While we've got a couple of games to play with I just hope the chairman can look at things and bring in the right guy."