DINO’S WISE WORDS ARE SO TRUE

I HAVE a saying that my first-team coach Dino Maamria always used and I adopted; Love Football and Football Will Love You.

The one thing I can say has permeated every successful group of players I have managed is a love of the game. I thrive as a manager in the midst of ambitious players who just want to get better at the game they love. Lads who want to learn on all levels about personal and collective betterment. Lads who show their love of the game every time they are near a training pitch or a football. Lads who eat, sleep, drink and breathe football.

Having named my team and subs on Friday, I received a text from one of my young players, selected in one of his first squad appearances. It simply said ‘Thank you for the opportunity gaffer’. He didn’t need to say anything. But I loved that he did.

I cannot tell you how delighted it left me feeling. How much it restored my faith after a tough time this season. I love the feeling of energy that hungry young players give me.

We should all, always, be grateful for the opportunity to be involved in the game. Every player should be grateful for every shirt he is offered. We should all make sure that we leave every sinew in the game. As fans, players, management; we must all make it our business to give our clubs our hearts and souls. And to be grateful the game is there, our clubs are there, and we’re healthy enough to participate in whatever capacity.