I know that it was a long time ago and so many twists and turns have gone on since our last pre season, but I can't help thinking that we went wrong there.
Being into sport management myself and having around 25 athletes, I totally understand that it is a marathon and not a sprint.
I also understand that muscles and tired bodies need time off for rest and recuperation. The Cheltenham festival winner, usually gets a rest mid season too, for exactly the same reason...to be spot on at the business end of the season. Therefore, I see why Nigel was tempted to give the players extra time off after their exertions the previous season.
However, by starting a couple of weeks late, having to rush the pre season and blend a lot of new players, we were not ready from the off. As it was a promotion push season, the poor start, added a lot more pressure to perform and a lot of frustration from the fans.
I do hope that Nigel will look into the pre season, get the first eleven sorted and players fit and ready from the off. I believe a good start will get the fans immediately behind him and things will get easier from there. We must make BL a fortress.
With our depth in numbers, they can all get the occasional break if they look jaded through a long season. Therefore, lets get them really fit and ready from the very first game.
What say you?
Being into sport management myself and having around 25 athletes, I totally understand that it is a marathon and not a sprint.
I also understand that muscles and tired bodies need time off for rest and recuperation. The Cheltenham festival winner, usually gets a rest mid season too, for exactly the same reason...to be spot on at the business end of the season. Therefore, I see why Nigel was tempted to give the players extra time off after their exertions the previous season.
However, by starting a couple of weeks late, having to rush the pre season and blend a lot of new players, we were not ready from the off. As it was a promotion push season, the poor start, added a lot more pressure to perform and a lot of frustration from the fans.
I do hope that Nigel will look into the pre season, get the first eleven sorted and players fit and ready from the off. I believe a good start will get the fans immediately behind him and things will get easier from there. We must make BL a fortress.
With our depth in numbers, they can all get the occasional break if they look jaded through a long season. Therefore, lets get them really fit and ready from the very first game.
What say you?
