Some might spray, not coach
The Cairns FC players thought they might be on the end of a spray from coach Danny Graystone in the change rooms following Saturday evening’s 2-0 defeat to Western Pride FC. In fact, they received the exact opposite. “I actually told them how proud I am of them,” he said. “We had three or four players carrying injuries ... it shows what sort of character these guys have,” he said. Cairns FC will find out their next FFA Cup opponents on Tuesday night.
THE Cairns FC playing group thought they might be on the end of some “hair-dryer treatment” in the change rooms following Saturday evening’s 2-0 defeat to Western Pride FC.
Hair-dryer treatment refers to legendary Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and his famous sprays to his players in team talks.
Cairns FC, just days after advancing to the last 16 of the FFA Cup, thought they were about to see some of the same from Manchester-born coach Danny Graystone.
In fact, they received the exact opposite.
The first-year boss of the rebranded NPL club had just watched his charges battle through their third game in seven days and he applauded their commitment and efforts.
“When I walked into the dressing room after the game, I think the players thought I was going to give them a roasting,” Graystone said.
“But, I actually told them how proud I am of them.
“We had three or four players go on the pitch carrying injuries for us that went out and put in a shift of 90 minutes.
“It shows what sort of character these guys have because we have nothing to play for in the league right now.
“For the players to put themselves out there at risk, is a lot to ask and I was very proud of the group to put in the performance we did. We did not get royally turned over, it was a close game.”
The visitors absorbed pressure in the first half and defended admirably to head into the break scoreless.
The Ipswich-based club finally broke Cairns’ back four early in the second half before doubling their advantage with under 10 minutes to play.
The win sent Pride to the top of the NPL table.
Cairns FC will find out their next FFA Cup opponents on Tuesday night with the Round of 16 draw to be held. The Round of 16 is to be played on two match nights between August 21 and 29.
The club are a chance to draw Far North favourite son and rookie coach Steve Corica after his Sydney FC claimed an entertaining win over Rockdale City in the perfect start to their FFA Cup title defence.
Long-time assistant and Innisfail product Corica has taken charge of the A-League heavyweights after Graham Arnold’s departure at the end of last season, and saw his side stage a big fightback.