The 63 year old currently on holiday told the CET: "I can understand the frustration of the fans and I admit that I thought we would be in a far better position in the league than we are.
"But sometimes it is the players who have to stand up and be counted. Let's put some pressure on them for a change. "They are the ones earning good money and it is time they started putting in some effort for the fans and their manager."
McGinnity added: "It is not me, the board or the manager who let in two goals in the space of three minutes at Gillingham or gave up a two-goal lead at Derby in the last few minutes of the game.
"How many times have we had to say it? I didn't miss the penalty against Sheffield United and we should have been 3-0 up by half time.
"I knew it would be hard against Sheffield but I honestly thought we would beat Gillingham. As for Rotherham, they are our bogey team but we all know that anyone can beat anyone in this league."
Despite fierce criticism, Mr McGinnity refused to blame the manager he appointed. But for how much longer will he be able to do so?