Interview With Bash After Walsall (A)

[JasonEllis]

Did anyone watch the episode on Salford with Giggs, Nevilles etc. where Neville et al insisted that the squad didn't drink at a mid-season awards dinner for the reason that it would have a detrimental affect on their performance in the team's next match? Some of the squad got somewhat merry and then lost the next game (for which they were strong favorites I think) and the owners were furious.

If it could have a noticeable effect on semi-professional players then I think professional players, be they league one or premier league, should steer clear. If someone like Cristiano Ronaldo will be teetotal to eek out the most from his ability then I think all players should take heed from this, as Pete Blade eludes to. Unfortunately, most players subscribe to the mentality that Bladesway mentioned - see Baxter as a prime example.

Baxter has a natural ability that means he can play comfortably around this level without being as fit as a professional footballer should be & enjoy himself off the pitch. He also appears to have the mentality that he'd rather remain at this level than put in more effort, get fitter, work on his game and dedicate himself to his career in order to play in a higher division.

 

[Pollingtonblade]

What's happened to the scouse druggie have we sacked him yet?

 

[MobileBlade]

Did anyone watch the episode on Salford with Giggs, Nevilles etc. where Neville et al insisted that the squad didn't drink at a mid-season awards dinner for the reason that it would have a detrimental affect on their performance in the team's next match? Some of the squad got somewhat merry and then lost the next game (for which they were strong favorites I think) and the owners were furious.

If it could have a noticeable effect on semi-professional players then I think professional players, be they league one or premier league, should steer clear. If someone like Cristiano Ronaldo will be teetotal to eek out the most from his ability then I think all players should take heed from this, as Pete Blade eludes to. Unfortunately, most players subscribe to the mentality that Bladesway mentioned - see Baxter as a prime example.

Baxter has a natural ability that means he can play comfortably around this level without being as fit as a professional footballer should be & enjoy himself off the pitch. He also appears to have the mentality that he'd rather remain at this level than put in more effort, get fitter, work on his game and dedicate himself to his career in order to play in a higher division.

The difference with that was the event was on a Thursday evening before a big game on the Saturday. I would be upset if the players did that but going out last Saturday evening when their next game is not until next Saturday? Do you want them to live in a monastery as well?

 

[Champagneblade]

I personally don't think players should drink during the season.

That might sound harsh but if you're being paid about 5k per week then it's not unreasonable to expect this to be tied to some sort of expected behaviour.

You're paid a premium to be an athlete at the top of your form when required. Throwing in toxins can't be good even if they have a few days to work through the system.

It's a small price to ask for the premium they are paid.

 

[SRBlade]

Great to see our heroes have got rid of that drinking culture.

Heroes?

 

[PeteBlade]

Heroes?

Sense the the tone man.

Sense
The
Tone.

 

[Wapping Blade]

The difference with that was the event was on a Thursday evening before a big game on the Saturday. I would be upset if the players did that but going out last Saturday evening when their next game is not until next Saturday? Do you want them to live in a monastery as well?

Every time this comes up, I refer people to The Secret Footballer. Read especially the latest one (The Secret Footballer's guide to the modern game : tips and tactics from the ultimate insider) and you will find out all about the diet requirements of top footballers, the highly negative effects of even small amounts of drink and the monitoring they undergo that spots any transgressions.

Now of course there is a tipping point between top professionals and turning out for the Dog and Duck as to how strict you need to be but you would have thought that earning north of £5K a week would mean some kind of quid pro quo where you commit to maximising your performance.

 

[BushBlade]

The difference with that was the event was on a Thursday evening before a big game on the Saturday. I would be upset if the players did that but going out last Saturday evening when their next game is not until next Saturday? Do you want them to live in a monastery as well?

For a lot of players it seems to be a choice between monastery or the Priory.

 

[JasonEllis]

The difference with that was the event was on a Thursday evening before a big game on the Saturday. I would be upset if the players did that but going out last Saturday evening when their next game is not until next Saturday? Do you want them to live in a monastery as well?

Of course I don't want them to live in a monastery - there is a huge difference between being responsible professionals and having to lead a complete ascetic lifestyle.

As Wapping says above, if the understanding is that alcohol affects performance then players should give it a miss (or just have a couple of drinks rather than getting smashed) on the basis of maximizing their performance if they are serious about playing football.

Not asking them to become Cistercians or Dominicans, just be responsible in their chosen profession.

 

[MobileBlade]

Of course I don't want them to live in a monastery - there is a huge difference between being responsible professionals and having to lead a complete ascetic lifestyle.

As Wapping says above, if the understanding is that alcohol affects performance then players should give it a miss (or just have a couple of drinks rather than getting smashed) on the basis of maximizing their performance if they are serious about playing football.

Not asking them to become Cistercians or Dominicans, just be responsible in their chosen profession.

I think as everyone knows, go a few weeks without a drink, particularly if you are athletic and burn of thousands of calories a day, then it only takes a small amount to get smashed!

 

[Dkc]

 

[Grappler]

I would not begrudge Basham having a couple of beers, but not getting smashed. And to be honest, unless I am mistaken, he has a wife and child at home. Have two beers and then go home and be a husband and father.

While not entirely "on topic", I remember an interview on TV with Daniel Craig, when his first Bond film came out (Casino Royale). He said that getting into shape was the hardest thing he had ever done, he had a personal trainer, strict diet, quit the ciggies and no drinking, except he was allowed one white wine spritzer on Saturday night (that's a white wine and soda water if you are reading this in Barnsley). He deviated a couple of times, away from his "one drink a week" allowance and said he could feel the effects for a few days.

 

[robbiez666]

I think there's a huge difference between having a drink or two and getting smashed. I don't think they should be drinking round town full stop. It's daft and only likely to end badly.

 

[SWB]

JESUS! get over it.
He liked the wine by the way