Just read the Sean O'Driscoll interview on the OS and the last few lines regarding Marlon Harewood are very revealing.
Head coach on quick turnaround following Spanish trip.
Sean O’Driscoll insisted a competitive examination in Nailsworth was exactly what the doctor ordered after his players were put through their paces in the Spanish sun.
The City head coach took his players on a rigorous four-day training camp in the Mediterranean, and a delayed return flight meant they did not land in Bristol until the early hours of Friday morning.
But a fine early goal from Liam Kelly was enough to earn the Robins a 1-0 victory over Conference hosts Forest Green Rovers at the New Lawn, much to O’Driscoll’s satisfaction.
“It was a good workout for us,” he told Bristol City Player.
“The players have spent four days away and worked hard so this was a good game for that – there’s a few tired legs but they showed a good attitude and everyone in the squad got 45 minutes.”
The boss also handed a debut to trialist striker Marlon Harewood, a free agent and well-travelled campaigner at 33 years of age with previous clubs including West Ham and Aston Villa in the Premier League.
And O’Driscoll, who has worked with the front man before, believes Harewood’s experience and professionalism could be a positive influence on his developing squad.
He said: “I know people’s fears that he’s ‘another journeyman player’ but I’ve worked with Marlon at Nottingham Forest (a four-month contract in 2011/12).
“When you look at players, first and foremost you look at people’s characters, and he had a difficult time at Forest but his character was first-class, and sometimes you look at our team and we lack one or two of those type of players.
“We’ve got people we can develop who are still young, but his experience is vital and his manner within the group is excellent.
“It’s not just another forward – I’m looking at the bigger picture and what he can bring to the group whether he plays or not.”
Much the same reasoning for giving Carey an extended contract it looks more and more that it was attitude that took us down and he is looking for people who will provide a more positive attitude for the younger players to stop the rot that was in the club from spreading through the younger players.
Stead always seemed to be a positive influence in the side and so did Skuse of the players that have left I wonder who S O'D thinks is/was the source of the problem?
