Hamilton Accies head coach has issued an apology to supporters following their 5-0 thrashing at Greenock Morton on Saturday.
The New Douglas Park side were 3-0 down inside 23 minutes at Cappielow and there was no way back for Rankin's men as two further goals followed in the second half.
It leaves Accies just a point off the bottom of the Scottish Championship table ahead of Saturday's visit from league leaders Partick Thistle.
And as well as saying sorry for "what appeared like a lack of effort" from his players at Morton, Rankin says his squad must now do their talking on the pitch.
In a statement released on the club's website and social media, Rankin said: "Firstly, I would like to apologise to all Accies fans present, and our support in general, for what appeared like a lack of effort and lack of application in the defeat to Morton on Saturday.
"I am obviously hugely disappointed, and it was a real reminder to everyone of how difficult this league really is.
"Without hard work and earning the right to play it makes it extremely difficult to take anything from the game.
"We have to improve but actions speak louder than any words.
"At 5pm on a Saturday we seem to have a lot to say amongst ourselves, but what really matters is doing our talking at 3pm.
"As players and staff we are all working extremely hard to make results better, and we are determined to do so. The only thing we ask of one another is not to be out worked by our opponents, and that determination should be there for all to see.”
"We are at home to Partick Thistle this Saturday (3pm at NDP) and we need all Accies fans right behind us and vociferously behind us to help get the win needed."
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