Caldwell wants to protect players from online criticism

Gary Caldwell is approaching the third anniversary of his appointment as Exeter City manager

Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell says he will try and protect his players from criticism on social media.

Caldwell's side are on a three-game losing run in all competitions and have won once in their last five games as they prepare for Saturday's trip to fourth-placed Stevenage.

The City boss defended his playing style after the 2-0 loss to Port Vale last week saw booing from some sections of the crowd at St James Park.

"I think the tactics and the information on the game has changed, but then also the scrutiny and the level of criticism that can come for players has changed a lot," he told BBC Radio Devon.

"I used to get it from people in the stand and you could shut off from it.

"But now that scrutiny and that criticism keeps coming for the night after the game, the next day.

"If you are that way inclined to read that, then that is definitely not good for you in terms of your wellbeing and your actual belief in your own ability to come into training to follow up a not-so-good performance."

'Negativity fuels me'

Caldwell says he tries to protect his players from the worst of any abuse they may suffer.

As a former Celtic captain and Scotland international, Caldwell says he has experienced criticism throughout his career and had the help of experienced managers to guide him.

"I'm fortunate that negativity fuels me," he added.

"I've kind of had it my whole life. I know what that negativity feels like and I know what you need to do to get through that, and that's why I stick up for players so much when that criticism comes, because I know they need support at that moment.

"They need people to get around them - I was fortunate I had good people, I think of times where Tony Mowbray, Gordon Strachan, Roberto Martinez, Walter Smith, those top managers, helped me in difficult moments.

"So the negativity for me is no problem whatsoever. There is no-one that's going to put more demands on me than I do myself.

"But for the players who are younger and who haven't experienced that, I want to try and protect them."