The Gaffer Speaks - March 26 2007

By Michael Blaxell

On the Thursday before the game the lads put in at training at a level I hadn't seen all season. There was both a level of commitment and a steely intensity in their preparation that augured well for the upcoming clash.

Myself and co-gaffer Morgan had spent many hours refining the game plan. It was apparent that we had the tactical and technical ability to outplay the opposition by ideally adopting a quick passing and movement game. In short, Total Fyfe Football.

We adopted the 3-2-3-2 formation with a mid 3 really playing as a 1-2 in what was therefore essentially a 3-2-1-2-2. To us the key was the defensive diamond (which was really a 1-2-1 to be precise) anchored by Mental, with Hibbs and Pumba getting in their faces and fucking them up.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, we dominated the first half. We were clearly playing superior tactical and technical football.

Curran was on song in a creative midfield role and Jasper kept the opposition busy with his frenetic pace and movement off and over the ball.

The wide men, Dan and Gordon, motored back and forward providing the necessary width. Unfortunately Dan was ruthlessly put out of the game by the dirty tards, and supersub Marcus came into play.

For me, the highlights were the discipline the team displayed throughout the encounter, typified by Shane taking only twelve steps toward the opposition player after being felled in a ruthless and callous tackle, but then pulling back before throwing the punch. As I said, great discipline.

The team will only grow stronger, and the management feel that the players have fully embraced the sweeping technical and tactical changes that the new management team has brought. Frankly, nothing can stop us.