After defeat to Stoke City, Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce admits his players' attitude hasn't been spot on.

"I can understand the mentality because before this season Wigan were two years in the relegation zone," said Bruce.

"The mindset was there, I detected it, and I have to take the blame because I couldn't arrest it.

"I've tried everything - from pats on the back to rollockings - and I've failed. We have petered out.

"We had a chance to have an outstanding season and it is a shame it has drifted away as it has done."