Why has Neville got his knickers in such a twist?

NOTTINGHAM FOREST’S recruitment of Mr Gladiators, and former Premier League official, Mark Clattenburg as a refereeing consultant has got Gary Neville’s knickers in a twist. While the creation of such a role does seem to be slightly over-egging the pudding, if Forest see value in it then I struggle to see the issue. Clubs employ throw-in coaches, psychologists, diet consultants and all sorts of analysts to gain marginal advantages and this appears to be an extension of that. So where’s the harm in it? Why is bringing a respected former referee in to help understand decision-making the exception? Forest evidently believe there’s a value in gaining a greater understanding of officials’ decisions and the laws of the game — even if they should know them inside out already — so let them get on with it. I’m not sure it will work, though. It’s like the old saying — what benefit is wisdom if it doesn’t benefit the wise? Players have been told for years not to pull shirts in the penalty box and they still do it. I do wonder whether Forest, like society at times, are perpetuating a victim culture over the perceived injustices being foisted upon them. Sometimes bad decisions happen, that’s the nature of the beast and Forest seem to see themselves as victims of a concerted plot to be on the receiving end of them. Will this galvanise their spirit or weaken their resolve? I’m not sure. Too many in society seem to succumb to adversity rather than overcome it. Bad decisions are part of football. A better approach would be to get over it, get on with it and win your games.