Fitness

[Bayingblade]

I would suggest that as well as all the good Messrs Wilder and Knill have done on the playing style side, they have also got the team fit. I have always said that fit teams score late and unfit teams concede late. For all Mr Adkins oxygen bubbles et al, his team would often concede late and rarely score. The fittest teams I have seen at BDTBL in recent times were under Bassett and Warnock and I don't think it's any coincidence that they had a habit of scoring late goals.

So far this season, we have scored crucial injury time goals against Fleetwood and Bury (as well as a gift at Wimbledon) that have turned a defeat and a victory into a draw and a win. Those points earned could be crucial at the end of the season.

While it's easy for us to focus on the good work they have done regarding the way United play, some of the more mundane stuff like fitness is often overlooked but at times like last night, can be just as important.

 

[JohnDenver]

Don't quite agree with this. Wilder is picking more athletic players and instilling spirit and belief in them. That counts for so much more. Oh, and having the ball for 70% of the time helps too.

 

[Bladey McBladeface]

Don't quite agree with this. Wilder is picking more athletic players and instilling spirit and belief in them. That counts for so much more. Oh, and having the ball for 70% of the time helps too.

I agree in part - he has recruited and selected athletic players.

BUT it's the players who were at the club previously (Freeman and Coutts) that go to show we are now a fitter team. Coutts in particular has now found his legs.

 

[FleaPitBlade]

I dont think its so much the fitness, more a desire and willing to run through the wall.

 

[Bayingblade]

I dont think its so much the fitness, more a desire and willing to run through the wall.

I agree Presty, my suggestion was that fitness was just a part of the jigsaw that is being put together. You can have all the willingness and desire in the world but if you ain't fit, it ain't gonna happen.

 

[Robby Blade]

I dont think its so much the fitness, more a desire and willing to run through the wall.

The team certainly have the desire, quick free kicks, quick throws etc. No good if your fucked after 75 minutes though.

 

[Highbury_Blade]

The team certainly have the desire, quick free kicks, quick throws etc. No good if your fucked after 75 minutes though.

When you have the desire, it's easier to push through the pain barrier.

But I agree with you, this isn't just about motivation. If it were just about motivation you'd have people still doing the running, but they'd be making dumb mistakes too, as the legs would be tired.