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"I'm very aware of ex-players shouting their mouths off.
"It's very easy to sit on the sidelines and criticise and we took a fair share of that this week. It's hurt everyone in the squad because a ball hasn't even been kicked yet and people still want to stick the knife in.
"Had it been 10 games down the line in a situation when we had to say, 'fair enough, we're not doing too well', it wouldn't be so bad, but a ball hasn't even been kicked and people are getting the big sticks out to beat us.
"But that's the nature of these people. If that's the way they want to be, bitter and jealous, then fair enough, it's extra motivation for us.
"The true fans know that we are working very hard. To take the stick we've had to take has been disappointing for us, but for this season the squad has been unbelievable.
"There is a real camaraderie between us and you know that if you are not playing too well someone will help you dig it out and vice versa and that can only help he club.
"We had a great week in Sweden where we all bonded really well on and off the pitch. We all work hard for each other to prove to ourselves and the public that we are here to stay as players."
Kavanagh was speaking after the draw at Rotherham last Saturday, looking ahead to the first home league game next Saturday Kav said
"It was a good stepping stone for us to build our confidence. I'm not trying to put more pressure on the lads, but next Saturday is a massive game for us.
"It's the first game in front of our own fans and we have to give them the impression that we are pushing in the right direction. I don't know if the gaffer will make any signings this week, but we are down to the bare bones of the squad and that hasn't helped."