It was a huge win for Stephen. Now he must add to it
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The spotlight has been very much on Stephen Glass at Aberdeen in recent weeks.
I had Stephen as a player at Newcastle United, and he was a first-class professional and a good fella.
He is going through a tough period at the Dons, and it was interesting to see Dave Cormack come out and back his appointment in public.
That is very commendable, and it must have been encouraging for Stephen to listen to that interview.
But football is all about results, and no manager can survive indefinitely when there is defeat after defeat.
The fans have been making it clear about how unhappy they are, and that tends to happen.
I think it’s even worse now because of social media, and the instant pressure that puts on managers.
So yesterday’s win over Hibs was huge for Stephen, and he has to keep it going, despite a demanding schedule in the next few weeks.
The manager and chairman both care very much for the club, and they will be working tirelessly behind the scenes to put things right.
So I’m all for giving Stephen more time. Absolutely.
Remember, this is his first job, and there are always going to be bumps on the road.
He is in his apprenticeship, and people need to show patience and understanding.
A joiner or an electrician needs to serve at least four years before they’re considered qualified, and that is how it should be.
So it needs to be understood that football managers also need time to learn.
However, we all know that is not the reality of this ruthless business. It is absolutely unforgiving. Any manager will tell you that.
All eyes will be on Old Trafford this afternoon for Manchester United’s clash with Liverpool.
I will be at the game, and it’s always a fixture I look forward to, and mark on the calendar as one not to be missed.
Liverpool want to stay as close to the top of the table as possible, while United won’t want the gap between the clubs to stretch to seven points.
One sub-plot in all of this is that it pits Cristiano Ronaldo against Mo Salah.
For the past decade or more, people have debated about who is the best in the world between the Portuguese and Lionel Messi. It most definitely splits opinion.
And right now, it’s been suggested by more than a few observers that Mo is, on current form, the best on the planet.
But the debate is never factual. It’s the opinion of one person against that of another. That’s healthy, and it’s great to appreciate all great footballers.
Mo also falls into that category. His two goals against Atletico Madrid last midweek created a bit of history as the first Liverpool player to score in nine consecutive matches.
He has been sensational for Liverpool this season, and is playing at an incrediblyhigh level. His goal against Manchester City at Anfield a few weeks ago still makes me smile.
There is no doubting his ability, but I also think his physical strength is extremely impressive.
All in all, he and Ronaldo are a joy to watch and they will entertain the supporters today.
United will, of course, look to the wonderfully-talented Portuguese to be their main man.
He has scored the winning goal in their last two Champions League games to remind us what he is all about.
Not that we needed a nudge about that, to be honest!
There is no doubting his ability, and he is a potential matchwinner.
Sure, he might be that wee bit older now, and not have the same amount of energy as he had in his first spell at Old Trafford.
But he is still every bit as lethal in and around the penalty area, that’s for certain. He will be excited about this game, and will want to be the difference between the two teams.
It’s great to be talking about the talent both teams possess, and how much we are looking forward to seeing them in action.
But what usually tends to happen in such circumstances is that someone pops out from nowhere to become the hero of the day. It doesn’t always go to the script.
There is certainly more than enough talent on both sides for the spotlight not to be shining on either Mo or Cristiano at full-time.