03-02-2017, 02:46 AM
Its a fine line between lambs to the slaughter, and its all got to do with the message, and the instruction.
I feel that perhaps our previous past lambs to the slaughter was all about expectation placed on players and perception of expectation which sets in when coaching relationships are not transparent.
i.e.
A youngster lines up on Scott Pendlebury. The instructions are, to get involved as much as possible, shadow him, learn how he plays and moves through traffic, and then afterwards review what worked, and what didnt with said player.
Provided that the player is not then targeted as to why Pendlebury cut you up, its all positive. They need to feel that the environment is one of learning, and not pressurised. Thats the difference.
This saturday, we are going young. We might get towelled up, but if the expectation is simply to learn how to play the game at the highest level, and what things people need to tidy up in their games, then all will be positive.
I feel that under Bolton for the first time in a very long time, we have an environment that doesnt foster self preservation at the expense of the team, and the way to judge that is not to look at the youngsters and their treatment, but the older blokes like Thomas, Simpson and co. If we treat Thomas like he needs to prove himself, then he will play in self preservation mode. If we allow him to just play footy and be positive influence, as well as come back at the end of the season and we will review the next contract extension, then we know we will have turned the corner as a football club.
None of this, "Micks boy, Hughes boy, Rogers boy, SOS boy" stuff, but a sustainable process driven review of where everyone is at, where we are at and who can help us moving forward.
This is simply an extension of that protracted process (hopefully).
I feel that perhaps our previous past lambs to the slaughter was all about expectation placed on players and perception of expectation which sets in when coaching relationships are not transparent.
i.e.
A youngster lines up on Scott Pendlebury. The instructions are, to get involved as much as possible, shadow him, learn how he plays and moves through traffic, and then afterwards review what worked, and what didnt with said player.
Provided that the player is not then targeted as to why Pendlebury cut you up, its all positive. They need to feel that the environment is one of learning, and not pressurised. Thats the difference.
This saturday, we are going young. We might get towelled up, but if the expectation is simply to learn how to play the game at the highest level, and what things people need to tidy up in their games, then all will be positive.
I feel that under Bolton for the first time in a very long time, we have an environment that doesnt foster self preservation at the expense of the team, and the way to judge that is not to look at the youngsters and their treatment, but the older blokes like Thomas, Simpson and co. If we treat Thomas like he needs to prove himself, then he will play in self preservation mode. If we allow him to just play footy and be positive influence, as well as come back at the end of the season and we will review the next contract extension, then we know we will have turned the corner as a football club.
None of this, "Micks boy, Hughes boy, Rogers boy, SOS boy" stuff, but a sustainable process driven review of where everyone is at, where we are at and who can help us moving forward.
This is simply an extension of that protracted process (hopefully).
"everything you know is wrong"
Paul Hewson
Paul Hewson