We have had a very good run this season, nobody can deny that, and I totally understand that people will be disappointed when either they are sub or miss out all together, but I personally am disappointed by the reactions I have received over the last few weeks for some of the decisions that I have made.Firstly if anyone feels they are being victimised I would like them to call me and speak to me personally, but I am sorry I can not accept after playing 90mins one week being asked to be sub or after returning from a hols etc, and not getting straight back in the team, as Victimisation.
Secondly just remember when you are subbed, that moaning as you come off is not only disrespectful to me (as I'm trying to do what I feel is best for the team), but also to the player who is replacing you, in a 'I'm better than him manner', it doesn't make me look bad, but it does you though, and how would you feel in the reverse?
Another thing to remember when you are standing on the sideline getting shirty that you're yet to get on, there is possibly a player a few yards behind you not kitted up who has been asked to take a week off, who is taking the decision with dignity and respect.
I know that we have a big squad, but as I have said before if you can all promise me that you won't get injured or go on holiday or have work commitments, I will happily sign the flat 14 players for next season. Yet you can't, so neither will I.
Now ask yourself how would you deal with situation that I am in? How would you tell your friends they're not required this week? And would you expect abuse in return?
Trust me when I say I would love to be playing week in and week out as I love this club, and believe me when I say, when I see a muddy pitch and tackles flying in, I am dying to be amongst it. Yet I have made a sacrifice for the club, I've played only 3mins this season in a week that we were short because players who moan coz they're not starting, had prior engagements!
Every week we play, I have a juggling act, I'm not like some managers who won't change a winning team, hence making the other players feel like second string, I don't always drop players based on form, and please don't think I take every game as it comes... Prior to the Spexhall match I had already picked my side for Kirkley. I consider the pitch, the opposition and the style of football they play, and as far as I'm concerned I don't think my decisions this season have been too bad as the record speaks for itself, on the two occasions I've been absent we've lost our only two games.
There is a very good reason that people want to play for our club. It's not because we are up the top of the league, it's because we treat every victory like a cup win, our social events are second to none, but more importantly because even new signings realise they've join something special and quickly begin to love the club as much as those, who have given a decade of football to this team. I assure you it's not that great outside of the Pot Black circle, and if you respect me, I will respect you and things will go from strength to strength.
The Gaffer.
