Friday, 30 March 2007
Keep the nerves inside
More inspiring words from Pards this week.
"The Valley is the key. When we say home, it is not just about the ground, it is about the fans, it is about the positive attitude that they are coming in with and how that generates to the players. We are not showing any nerves and that is a good sign. We are scoring goals and we are threatening to score more goals.''
Isn't it amazing the complete turnaround since Pardew took the reigns on Christmas Eve? If we stay up it will truly go down as one of the most amazing feats in our history. After weeks of inaction this month the games now come thick and fast and as Pards said, "this is our season now."
Although I think all of us inside are nervous as hell, the fact that we had written off our hopes of survival a long time ago has helped us permeate encouragement and confidence onto the pitch from the stands. Watford was a good example of that, when after a poor first half performance, the fans stayed true and put their trust in Pardew and the players to turn it around and we rewarded each other with our wonderful noise and their fantastic fight back. It is a 2-way street and Pardew knows that, and he continues to impress me with the way he includes the fans almost every time he is quoted.
I thought it was significent to read today what Pards said of Darren Bent on the verge of tomorrow's game. "He needs to score goals for us. The pressure's on him massively now. Eight games to go, the big players need to produce and everybody else will fall in behind them." Another interesting use of psychology by the manager.
Alexandre Song is the only doubt, I hope he makes it as his influence is vital, particularly with Andy Reid now confirmed as being out for the season.
I have yet decided how to follow the game but yesterday in a mad moment I changed an appointment of someone coming around from 11am to 9am because I didn't realise the clocks have already gone forward at home. Therefore 11am would have been fine (5pm) but now I have this stupid person coming around at kick-off time! Der.
Promise me, no nerves tomorrow, keep them inside and give it everything. ¶ 12:59
"The Valley is the key. When we say home, it is not just about the ground, it is about the fans, it is about the positive attitude that they are coming in with and how that generates to the players. We are not showing any nerves and that is a good sign. We are scoring goals and we are threatening to score more goals.''
Isn't it amazing the complete turnaround since Pardew took the reigns on Christmas Eve? If we stay up it will truly go down as one of the most amazing feats in our history. After weeks of inaction this month the games now come thick and fast and as Pards said, "this is our season now."
Although I think all of us inside are nervous as hell, the fact that we had written off our hopes of survival a long time ago has helped us permeate encouragement and confidence onto the pitch from the stands. Watford was a good example of that, when after a poor first half performance, the fans stayed true and put their trust in Pardew and the players to turn it around and we rewarded each other with our wonderful noise and their fantastic fight back. It is a 2-way street and Pardew knows that, and he continues to impress me with the way he includes the fans almost every time he is quoted.
I thought it was significent to read today what Pards said of Darren Bent on the verge of tomorrow's game. "He needs to score goals for us. The pressure's on him massively now. Eight games to go, the big players need to produce and everybody else will fall in behind them." Another interesting use of psychology by the manager.
Alexandre Song is the only doubt, I hope he makes it as his influence is vital, particularly with Andy Reid now confirmed as being out for the season.
I have yet decided how to follow the game but yesterday in a mad moment I changed an appointment of someone coming around from 11am to 9am because I didn't realise the clocks have already gone forward at home. Therefore 11am would have been fine (5pm) but now I have this stupid person coming around at kick-off time! Der.
Promise me, no nerves tomorrow, keep them inside and give it everything. ¶ 12:59
