Danny Coyne: Shrewsbury Town struggling for confidence

The interim boss oversaw the third defeat of his three-game tenure after Micky Mellon departed Greenhous Meadow – with Town dropping to the bottom of League One.

High-flying Sheffield United rose to fourth after three second-half strikes stunned Town, who have just six wins on home turf since the beginning of last season.

Coyne, who is not likely to be at the helm for Saturday's visit of Northampton, revealed he is finding it difficult to lift the players' mentalities.

He said: "The position that we're in, it's hard for the lads when a goal goes in. It's one of those situation you find yourself in, it's hard to get the mentality flipped when you go a goal down that everything is still positive against one of the best teams in the league.

"They're as gutted as I am. I just said to them. They're in it, I'm with them all of the way, but we need to have a look at things and sort things out between us.

"The lads are giving everything they can. But things aren't going our way – we have to change that.

"We've said from minute one we want the new manager in. The lads want the stability of a new man in charge. Somebody to look after things and do it the way they want it.

"You've got to have pride and passion in this game and I've just said to the lads, no matter what, you've got to give everything in every game."

Despite three defeats from clashes at Bradford, Walsall and against the Blades, goalkeeping coach Coyne will remain close to his players and attempt to guide them through a difficult period.

"It's not gone my way at all, that's the way it is, I took responsibility. That's my position, my responsibility, I know that," he added. "I've tried to do the best I can, but it's not gone our way."

Former Shrewsbury player and current Walsall coach Dean Holden was last night linked with the manager's role after not being present at Saddlers' 1-1 draw at Gillingham.

But the Shropshire Star understands that Town, who were carrying out interviews today, are seeking someone with more managerial experience.