Amidst all the euphoria and mutual back slapping at the DW last night, at the end of an excellent victory, 2 things caught my attention. A magnificent (as ever) crowd where busy giving the manager a Kings reception and he in turn was accepting the accolades but as he was, he was intensely looking around the players one by one. The players themselves where all hugging and cheering and celebrating with the crowd, all except one, Jack Colback. He was totally knackered and played the last 10 mins on fumes only, as his tank was empty. He was about 30 or 40 yards from the rest of the team, hands on knees, looking into the pitch. However, in a flash, MoN ran straight over to him and put his arm around him and started to talk to him. Immediately, Colback had an arm around the manager and they walked off together deep in discussion. Now, we will never know the context of the conversation of course but the gesture was brilliant. Just a little touch to single out the player that needed his words most and then delivered them with aplomb. All this amongst the celebration and mayhem. Brilliant stuff. I've just watched the SAFC TV interview this morning and the manager revealed that Jack was struggling from the City game and for much of the game last night but he couldn't get him to come off as he want to play on. I think it's these small little things that has galvanised a squad of players into an efficient and impressive unit and without a shadow of a doubt, we are seeing the beginning of a beautiful friendship between club, players and fans again and thats the second thing I noticed. The players looked like they were having fun again too. Sessegnon celebrated his goal with passion and vigour and every goal was celebrated likewise. At the end, they were jumping around the pitch and mucking with each other and just having a right old laugh and interacting with the equally ecstatic crowd. Thats been missing for months and months and its revival has reaped the benefits of 4 wins and a draw in 6 games. Like the players, I simply can't wait for the next game and hopefully a 3rd round FA Cup win the Posh.
I also noticed that moment with Colback. It was a brilliant gesture from MON, running over to put an arm around him. Excellent stuff
i saw that last night mate, my thoughts were exactly the same. It's amazing how a few words and encouragment go along way. Man management and organisation are a big part of the game these days some thing bruce lacked greatly.
Our lads need some well earned rest. I can foresee some of the 'young uns' getting a game against the Posh.
I also noticed that when McClean came off MON made sure he put his arm around him too and had a word in his ear. Not too often you see that, it's normally a handshake or high five. It's little things like this is the reason we're a totally different team under MON.
According to the beeb last night Colback had gone over on his ankle in the warm up but had to battle through as we had barely any other options. Then during the game he was clipped on the same ankle, and went over it again in stoppage time. True grit and I think this lad has some future in the game.
Great to read all of these things....all this kind of detail is absent from other sites....fantastic......maybe these are just more little things.......
