Kurtis Guthrie was a “frustrated” man when he made his hard-hitting comments in the aftermath of Colchester United’s defeat at Yeovil Town last weekend.

That is the view of head coach John McGreal, who says the former Forest Green Rovers attacker is “desperate to do well” in the EFL for the U’s.

Guthrie gave an honest and frank assessment of the U’s winless run prior to them getting back to winning ways at Cheltenham Town on Tuesday night, calling their form a “shambles” and warning they could find themselves in a relegation battle if their results did not improve.

The 23-year-old was also critical of the support of Colchester’s fans but later apologised for those comments.

McGreal said: “Kurtis has been in the non-league and he’s desperate to do well.

“He was a frustrated young man after the Yeovil game and he’s over-loaded what was said after the game.

“He’s still learning and he’s apologised profusely for what’s gone on.

“He’s been hurting like everyone else and sometimes, it boils over.

“It’s refreshing at times but you obviously have to be careful with what you say and you can’t say anything about your fans.

“They come and they pay their money and support you the length and breadth of the country.

“But with the position that we were in (after the Yeovil game) losing two goals in four minutes it’s been a common theme for years and he’s just said it how it is.”

Guthrie played in a more familiar forward position for Colchester in their 3-0 win at Cheltenham in midweek, providing the assist for Brennan Dickenson to score their second goal at Whaddon Road.

He has played a large chunk of the season in a central midfield role and boss McGreal says he has shown his versatility and commitment to the cause.

“He’s a hard worker and he is really effective (against Cheltenham), higher up the pitch and more in his preferred position,” added McGreal.

“The thing is with Kurtis is that I’ve had to play him out of position, with the amount of injuries that we’ve had in midfield.

“We’ve had one standalone midfielder in Craig Slater, of late.

“Kurtis has gone in there and done a job for the team, sacrificing his own personal position.”