Paul Hayes says it was his duty as Wycombe Wanderers captain to engage with disgruntled fans after Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Colchester United.

Fans in the Bucks New Uni Stand congregated behind the goal at Adams Park as emotions boiled over at the full-time whistle.

Hayes understands supporters’ frustrations and felt addressing their complaints directly was the right thing to do.

“When things get hard it is the best thing to address it because it is easy to move on when things are going well,” Hayes said.

“I felt it was best as captain to go to the fans and express that we are all hurting at the moment and we need to get through this and stay positive.

“My role is purely to look after and support the lads. There were a few things shouted out that I wasn’t particularly happy with and that is why I addressed it and spoke to the fans.”

Michael Harriman and Adebayo Akinfenwa were also involved in the post-match discussion and fans reacted angrily to the former attempting to pull Hayes away.

The striker defended his team mate’s actions and believes he behaved in a professional manner in an attempt to calm the situation.

He said: “Harriman pulled me away like any good pro would and the fans didn’t take to that. It wasn’t his fault.

“I feel sorry for him because the fans didn’t like it and he is a good lad who loves the club and didn’t mean anything by it.”

The mood among sections of Wycombe fans has soured in recent weeks after the first five games of the League Two campaign have produced three goals and one win.

A 0-0 draw with Blackpool in their previous fixture also drew boos from sections of the travelling crowd.

Wanderers’ form at the tail end of last season was similarly shaky and they have managed just two wins from their last 10 matches in the League, a run which stretches back to March.

Hayes insists everything possible is being done to change the club’s fortunes in front of goal and lauded the management team which he says is hurting from Saturday’s loss.

“I wanted to stress to them [the fans] we are not meaning to lose, we are not going through the motions. We are a hard-working, honest team and we accept that it is not good enough at the moment,” Hayes explained.

“Our manager and coaching staff are some of the hardest working around. They hurt when we lose and the gaffer loves the club.

“He wants things to change as much as we do and has brought in the right personnel. We just need to gel more and understand each other better.

“We know the fans are frustrated, but we need to stick together more than ever when things are not going for us.”