MALCOLM Crosby has challenged Town's players to turn over a new disciplinary leaf in 2004 or face potentially disastrous play-off consequences.

Only Oldham and Luton have worse crime sheets than Town so far this season and Andy King's No 2 admits that enough is enough.

He said: "Our record isn't very good and maybe the fines we impose should be harsher.

"The punishment has to fit the crime. Maybe that's the only way to get the message across.

"Andy and I have already stressed there is a danger of us missing out if we don't become more disciplined.

"All these bookings can be very costly over the season. Individuals miss out but, more importantly, it damages the team and the club.

"Missing players can have a big impact on your season.

"It might be the difference between promotion, play-offs or relegation, and it's no coincidence that the top teams are the ones with the better disciplinary records, probably as they've been able to field a settled side."

Town have picked up 47 yellow cards and five red cards so far and while Crosby points out that not all were deserved, arguing is not going to change anything.

He believes both players and officials can do more to reduce that number.

He said: "Our lads have to learn to walk away. Arguing with the referee changes nothing.

"Perhaps there should also be more efforts put it by the other lads to drag away teammates who are getting involved with officials.

"Teamwork isn't just what you do with the ball."

Crosby feels the man in the middle can help the situation.

He said: "We now have a rule whereby referees can move a free-kick forward 10 yards for dissent, like they do in rugby.

"For some reason, that doesn't seem to be happening as much, certainly not consistently.

"I think it is a good rule and one which should be made full use of.

"Players would soon get the message."

However, Crosby believes the early signs for 2004 are encouraging and that the warnings may be starting to hit home.

He said: "I think the discipline was better against Brighton and Hove Albion for the most part.

"The challenge I suppose is to take that into the Bournemouth game on Saturday and then into the matches beyond that."