As you know, Brian O'Driscoll has been dropped by the British and Irish Lions for the final test against Australia. I think many footballers should take note on how Mr O'Driscoll handled the news - obviously he's gutted, but he has played a full part in the preparation for the game at the weekend, including speaking in team meetings etc. No sulking around like many pro footballers would have done. His actions show that it's all about the team not about him as an individual. People are remembered for not just how well you can play, but HOW you play and how you handle yourself off the pitch/in the dressing room. Brian O'Driscoll will be remembered with admiration by the 30+ tourists on how he has conducted himself. An absolute credit to himself and his family. Team spirit is something many claim to have - look at the quotes from some of our team last season - however when the chips were down it simply was not there. I suggest our players take note of Brian O'Driscoll - this is how to act - a true Role Model
That was obvious from a few years back the team spirit ethic departed from Ashton Gate after the failure at Wembley against Hull.
GJ used to say he effectively interviewed people before he signed them as they needed to have the right character
Brad Friedel was talking about this on TalkSport this morning, and I thought he said something really apt. He mentioned that when he was dropped by AVB, he had his own opinions on the matter, and spoke behind closed doors with his manager about the decision to put Lloris in. He said not once did I go to Facebook, Twitter, or any journalists and comment on the subject, because it wasn't his decision to make. That AVB is his manager, and has the teams best interests in mind, and thats what he thought was best for the team. In order for a team to work, you have to ALL be pulling in the right direction, and have you disagreements in private, the moment it becomes public it shows wink links and a lack of unity, the rumour mill starts turning and things go down hill. No matter how good one player is, they don't make a team, and therefore are not bigger than that team. I just thought it was very schrewd insight from an avid, consummate professional who has almost two dozen years worth of experience in the game and is still playing. Too many players think they know better, well there job is to train, and play, nothing more. Why they think they have some divine right to have their say on tactical matters, and express their opinion as if its vastly superior to their bosses I'll never know. Money then Ego. Two biggest problems in todays game. But as mentioned, fair play to BOD, dignified professional who if he looks at himself truly, has not proven he warrants an automatic spot in the starting line up.
'but HOW you play and how you handle yourself off the pitch' and 'In order for a team to work, you have to ALL be pulling in the right direction' Kilkenny taught BOD everything he knows.
Has the final team sheet been handed in for the Lions yet? This has been talked about for days here so imagine what it's like over there. The Aussies could be led into a false impression that the player they fear is not playing? I've said on another post BOD in his prime, there was not many better but at this stage of his career Jamie Roberts is the better player, I would of preferred Jonathan Davies to be dropped as he seems off form, but will he improve with Roberts one side and George (I will take you as well as the ball) North the other? I admire BOD for the way he's handled this, but to leave him completely out of the 23 is a very brave or stupid thing to do. Can't wait for this to kickoff, my wife works with Robert Jones the ex Welsh and Lions player who is covering the radio 5 commentary over there, so she gets text saying what the atmosphere is like over there I bet it's going to be fantastic.
I would love to be there but sadly I'm not. But common you Brit Lions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PS; and whichever team wins, well done and it's not the end of the world for the losers either.
