Tough times....
Mar15201011 a.m.
How do all! After a long and ridiculously difficult week, I sit here with very mixed emotions. We battled bravely and successfully against Stoke on Wednesday night, gaining a valuable point after succumbing to one of the infamous Mr. Delap's missiles! The second half performance in particular gave us a huge psychological boost before Saturday's game against Wolves. It was here, in typical football style, we received the proverbial kick in the town halls!!
I believe we continued Wednesday's performance levels in the game and played some great football, but one wicked deflection and an unfortunate miscalculation later, we found ourselves 2-0 down. I don't know what we did to lady luck this year, but it seems she doesn't like my aftershave or something!! Anyhow, as ever, we take the positives from the game, if we continue to perform like that, we will win more often than not, but the turn needs to come very soon or else I'll be looking for a new job!
Speaking of which, I attended the Competitive Edge: Progression event this week and took part in a discussion chaired by one very delectable Katharine Merry! The event is all about informing young apprentices and even established professionals about their career options, when football doesn't work out or ends. One area that really interested me was the sporting diversification option. This is where the players have a go at other sports that they may not have had the opportunity to try before, or had put on the back burner whilst a career in football was pursued.
It has resulted in a former colleague of mine, James Hoad from Watford, failing to win a contract as a goalkeeper for Watford, but joining the British Olympic team as a Skeleton Bob sledder!!! How bizarre!!! How fantastic!! Had my career in football not taken off, I'm curious as to which other sport I would have been suitable for. I know it would definitely not be anything to do with the cold or snow, especially if I can't even hack a Burnley Winter!! I think I may have been able to turn my hand to golf though.
The rate of progression that I experienced after just a couple of lessons was huge, even curing bad habits I'd already formed. Couple that with a 6 foot 3 inch mesomorph somatotype and you have decent framework for a tour player, or at least that's what I tell myself on the pitch and putt!! I do find that people who have an aptitude for a sport, and play it to a high standard, generally seem able to pick up other sports rather easily. It almost explains why the same four people were in every sports team, every year, through school!! From what I saw, Ms Merry had made the post-career transition effortlessly and still looked after her physique some four years post retirement; I doubt I will look half as slender four months after I'm done!! Have a great week and many blessings!!
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Comments (8)
anoif55 'I think most golfers think that they could get on the tour.. well my husband reckons he might have got there given a bit more dedication!' added 15th Mar 2010
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Footnote 'I wanted to give speed skating a try... something about the cool helmut and lycra!' added 15th Mar 2010
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SPALDING_CLARET 'Awful result at the weekend and what a week eh? The way I see it there are still 24 points to play for. If we as fans can't be positive then how can we ask you guys to rise above and play out of your skins. Don't get to the Turf as often as I'd like these days but want you to know that despite a few boo boys venting their frustration 99 per cent of all Clarets are behind you and the lads and just want you to do your best for the rest of season. Support means being supportive and we are great supporters! Up the Clarets!' added 15th Mar 2010
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wyleu 'As a Wolves fan would I be allowed to express my gratitude at how my weekend improved as of 4:55, and also, how nerve racking the last ten minutes of the game were with only final score to keep me and mine informed? Never have the letters FT felt so good.' added 15th Mar 2010
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ClaretHen 'Yes, it was an awful result, but the fighting spirit shown by the team was awesome. I'm lucky enough to get to the Turf every week and I was ashamed of the small (but loud!) minority who began booing the manager's decision. As Spalding_Claret said, 99.9% of the fans are behind you lads all the way. I've renewed my season ticket and hope to see you at the Turf next season, Clarke - whatever league the team is in. You continue to be a valuable asset to the club. Good luck on Saturday and up the Clarets!' added 15th Mar 2010
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Colburn_claret 'It was gutting Clarke, and has taken time to get up from, but please pass on our support to the rest of the lads. We're still behind you all the way. As hard as it must be at times, try to keep playing with a smile on your faces, and get that seige mentality going for us. When you've dug deep it's time time to dig even deeper. Up the Clarets.' added 15th Mar 2010
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SmileyRiley 'I've been supporting the Clarets for over 30 years, and my husband has been for longer.Yes, it was bad but we have seen far, far worse. At least we could see fight and determination . Booing a substitution was just not on - especially as it was for the best. Looking good , but not passing accurately or tackling effectively is a luxury we couldn't afford on Saturday. We will be renewing our season tickets - once a Claret, ALWAYS a Claret. Keep your heads up, and keep going...a few less head holdings, and a bit more running to redeem the errors might not go amiss though amongst your colleagues. We don't need to be shown that an error has been made, we assume that the player concerned will know, and get back on with the fight. Up the Clarets!' added 16th Mar 2010
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SmileyRiley 'Well....I don't know WHAT happened on Saturday, but no one came out with ANY credit from THAT performance. I am beginning to wonder if any member of the team actually CARES about the club anymore. I hope you can shake some sense into your colleagues, and try and get it into their heads that they are playing , not just for the result on the day and to pick up their wages, but for the fans, the club, and yes, for PRIDE. I am bitterly disappointed.' added 5th Apr 2010
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