Paul Robinson has indulged in a prolonged bout of self-flagellation since Saturday's defeat at Newcastle United.
A season that started so promisingly for the West Bromwich Albion player, with manager Bryan Robson touting him as potential international, is set to end in abject misery if results are unkind this weekend.
When Robinson was in his pomp prior to Christmas, his zest and tenacious qualities had a talismanic effect on Albion.
Yet the general malaise that has affected Albion in 2006 has even spread to Robinson in recent weeks with the normally assured defender appearing uneasy.
From being an outside bet to gatecrash Sven-Goran Eriksson's World Cup squad, he now finds himself facing the unpalatable prospect of Championship football next season.
However, while certain characters hide and sink into a swamp of self-pity, Robinson is never afraid in facing his demons.
In an era where certain footballers are chastised for apparently losing touch with their roots, such accusations could not be levelled at Robinson. He wears his heart on his sleeve and when the chips are down, which Albion's certainly are at present, he will offer a candid view of proceedings.
West Ham United are looming on the horizon next Monday for a fixture that could well be rendered insignificant by results this weekend which could confirm Albion's relegation.
Yet, in Robinson's eyes, it will be of grave importance, as they attempt to repay disgruntled supporters who witnessed the Newcastle debacle.
"We let a lot of people down. The supporters spend a lot of money every year following the club. They wasted a lot of money on Saturday," said Robinson.
"For them to have travelled all that way and watched that first-half performance was very disappointing.
"As a player, you want to go out, entertain the fans and put on a good performance. We didn't do that.
"I'm still really annoyed, as I'm sure all of the lads are.
"We've let the manager and everyone at the club down. But the most disappointing thing about Saturday was the fact we let the fans down.
"Our first-half performance was shocking. We didn't fight; we didn't scrap or put ourselves about. It was terrible. We have got a lot to make up for."
However, Robinson is determined to maintain professional pride whatever the outcome of Saturday's results.
If Portsmouth can garner a point at Wigan Athletic or Birmingham City beat Newcastle then a trip to Roots Hall next season looks very much on the agenda.
Robinson, however, insists anything other than a fully committed performance against West Ham will be classed as a dereliction of duty.
"We've put ourselves in a very difficult position in the league, but we'll keep going," he said.
"All we can do keep our fingers crossed on Saturday and try to get back to winning ways on Monday.
"As soon as Saturday's games are over, we will have a clearer picture but, as far as I'm concerned, I'll keep fighting until the end.
"Whatever happens on Saturday, we have to go into the game on Monday and look to get three points.
"We have to get that bad performance out of our system and put on a good display.
"We don't want to let the fans down again."
