STEVE WIGLEY was honest in his assessment of Saints' 5-2 Carling Cup drubbing at the hands of Watford.

"It was horrific," he said.

"Everything went wrong. It was very, very poor. We defended abysmally. We have conceded five goals and Alan Blayney was to blame for nothing.

"Individually and as a team we should be ashamed.

"We took this competition seriously, had a strong side and didn't perform. That's me, the players and everybody. I'm very, very disappointed."

Wigley vowed to fight-on as Saints head coach, but admitted it was the worst he has felt since replacing Paul Sturrock back in August.

He said: "It is the lowest point since I have been in the job. It is difficult to pick them up.

"I would be a liar if I said I wasn't under pressure. A performance like that does put you under pressure.

"I'm not someone who has walked away from things in the past and I'm going to get the team ready for Saturday.

"Ultimately what goes with the job is that it will be me that takes the responsibility because that's what happens in this job.

"Players can be here a long-time, but people like me are vulnerable.

"Of course, I have to look at myself. It is my responsibility and it is me that will take the majority of the flak."

Although Saints have struggled for results under Wigley and he is still waiting for a Premiership win after ten attempts, it was the first time they have capitulated and received such a heavy beating.

"In the previous games I have felt the players were honest and competed and gave it everything," he said.

"I can't say that on that game, but the buck stops with me. My only thoughts are that the team didn't respect the opposition enough.

"It was similar to Colchester. We got away with it against Colchester in the last round when we were hit and miss that night.

"Against Premier League opposition we've been switched on and we've been competitive.

"We didn't afford Watford the respect we did Arsenal. We were lacking in every department and didn't play well.

"Credit to Watford, they played very, very well."

Wigley admitted strong words were exchanged in the dressing-room after the match.

"We were honest about our performance, the players had a bit to say to one another as well which was quite right," he said.

"I'll take a long look at myself, there's no two ways about that.

"I did learn about my players, I didn't believe we had that kind of performance in us."

Of the fans, Wigley said they were justified in voicing their frustration, but insisted that he and the players would take responsibility rather than chairman Rupert Lowe.

"We had a few thousand that supported the team," he said. "I felt for the chairman and the board because they (the fans) had a go at them.

"The performance wasn't their fault, I take responsibility for that.

"The fans are within their rights to vent their anger because of the performance of all of us.

"Everyone is entitled to their opinion and they have been very supportive throughout the season."