Meeting the Squad
Before holding the first training session of the pre-season, I assembled the lads in the locker rooms to formally introduce myself to them. They seemed eager to meet their new manager and see what I was made of. I could also pick out a hint of nervousness in their eyes. Completely understandable considering I was a complete rookie in the world of management and had promised the board that I would be able to deliver a mid-table season despite the odds being against me.
Once everyone had sat down, I started to talk.
“Hey everyone. Well I don’t want to keep you from your training but I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you as your new manager. I’m not going to lie to you guys, I’m completely new to the world of managing a football club. I understand that you might be nervous and might have some reservations about me taking control but trust me when I say that you’ll be pleasantly surprised about what we have achieved this season. You’re a talented group of lads, no denying that. Just look at what you all accomplished last season! First year in the primer league and you finished eleventh. Sure we lost Scotty and Joe, but we still have the core of the team and I’m looking to bring some new faces to the squad that will see this club become a permanent fixture in the league.”
I see that my words had the intended effect; with most of the players looking much more cheery and inspired then that had been a few minutes ago. Looking around, I saw that captain Garry Monk had something to say.
“Anything you’d like to add Garry?” I ask, beckoning towards him.
Garry got up off the bench he had been sitting on and cleared his throat.
“Thanks for the inspiring words boss. I think I speak for the team when I say that I’m excited to have you managing us. Sure you might be a rookie manager but your experience in the game will really be helpful in getting us to move forward in the footballing world. I hope that we can go on to achieve great things as a club and I’m glad that you are so confident you can bring us to glory. Thanks gaffer,” and with that, Garry Monk took his seat. Michel Vorm and Ashley Williams patted him on the back and thanked him for expressing what they felt perfectly. Looking around I can see that some players still had something on their mind.
“Anyone else want to add anything?” I ask, opening up the floor to the rest of the team. Alan Tate stood up and paused for a second, waiting for reassurance from me. I nod at him to continue.
“I just wanted to say that Garry was spot on and absolutely correct. I agree completely with what he said and I’m pretty sure that the rest of the lads feel the same way. Welcome to the team Robert, we’re excited to have you!”
“Thank you Alan, it really means a lot to have such a warm reception from you guys. I must admit that I thought that my lack of experience would lead you guys to be a bit frosty towards me,”
“Oh come on Robert! We aren’t that bad!” said Garry Monk laughing. I feel a burning sensation at my cheeks as I realized I’ve just made a bit of a fool of myself but I can’t help but laughing along with the lads. After the laugher died down, I open the floor up once last time.
“Well thanks for that reassurance Garry! Now if anyone else has something to add, this is the time to do it?” I say. After the next player speaks up, or doesn’t, it’ll be time for training. I see Ashley Williams stand up.
“Yes Ashley?”
“Hey Robert, on behalf of the team I would like to welcome you to Swansea City and I really look forward to playing under you.”
I smile at him. Having such a positive reaction from the players really means a lot to me and has done a world of good for my confidence.
“Thanks lads! This has really been the reaction I was after and I’m really excited to get down to business and set about getting us to punch above our weight this season. It’s an honor to be managing such outstanding players and I really think we can do great things together. Now kit up and take the field. We’ve got some work to do!”
Season Opener Press Conference
I look at the journalists seated around me and take a second to catch my breath. This was really happening. I was sitting here in front of journalists getting ready to talk about my first game in charge of a football club. Swansea City. We have a strong team but we were going up against far stronger opposition. I sighed quietly to myself. Of course I would have to play the bloody champions of Europe in my first game. Chelsea would be an incredibly hard team to tie, let alone beat. However we had enjoyed a phenomenal pre-season, scoring 28 and conceding three and winning all games save for a tie against Athletic Bilbao, and I really believe we can give them a run for their money. If we can score early, then we might have a chance. I look towards the journalists and that they had all gotten settled and were ready to proceed.
“Uhm…Hey everyone. I’ll be taking questions about the upcoming match against Chelsea along with whatever else takes your fancy I suppose. So uh…you first!” I said, pointing towards a young man sitting in the front row.
“The People. So as I’m sure you’re aware, the first day of the football season is eagerly awaited by fans all across the country who have marked the date on their calendars. Are you excited?”
Am I excited? What a stupid question! Of course I’m bloody excited!! Nervous as all hell but excited!
“Of course I’m excited! The start of the season is the start of ten months worth of entertainment and excitement every Saturday and Sunday! It’s great to be finally getting the season started! I’ve really been looking forward to this!”
“KiCK! Magazine. You’ve had two months to prepare your Swansea squad and to get ready for the season. The only thing left to do is to kick the regular season off. Are you confident that your Swansea players are ready for opening day?”
“Well we’ve had a spectacular preseason so I think we’re pretty ready to take on Chelsea. We’re coming off a 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao, a massive result when you keep in mind how Bilbao is tipped to finish in the top five in La Liga. And of course there was that 10-2 drumming of New England. So yeah I think we’re feeling pretty good. We just gotta carry our preseason form into competitive matches and I think we’ll be well on track to finish mid-table.”
“TalkSPORT. Of course it’s always nice to get points on the board in the first match of the season and build up some momentum that can help your side going into the next match. Do you think you can get off to a good start against a team such as Chelsea?”
Now that’s a hard question. It would be a very challenging match and they have us beat on paper, but I feel that we could really pull something big off. I wouldn’t freakout or anything if we didn’t win, but getting three points and starting off my career with a win against the reigning Champion’s League winners would be quite nice.
“Well I think I have to be honest. It’s going to be a tough match for us. Chelsea just won the Champion’s League so they will have bucket loads of morale. However, we have been working hard and if we can keep playing the way we have been in the preseason, then I think we might be able to really shock to footballing world and grab three points.”
“The South Wales Echo. Do you have a clear idea of your starting 11 for this season?”
Now that’s a stupid question. Of course I had a bloody starting XI chosen. I wasn’t so much of a rookie that I wouldn’t know who was going to play most games.
“I wouldn’t be much of a manager if I didn’t have a starting squad in mind! Everything is all set and ready to go, however you really can’t predict what injuries or a slump in form will do to your side.”
“KiCK! Magazine. Chelsea will be going into this match fully confident of a win and will feel that they will be able to trounce your squad. Will you be looking to surprise them with any tactical changes?”
“I won’t be pulling off any special tactical changes, but I think the desire and confidence of my players will be the biggest surprise for Chelsea. They know it’s going to be a hard game but they also know that we have a chance at winning. A slim one of course, but a chance none the less.”
“TalkSPORT. Moving to a different competition, the draw for the Capital One Cup has given Swansea a home game against Nottingham Forest. Just how happy are you to be playing at home?”
“I think that it’s great we get to play at home! The advantages of having your home crowd cheer you on really can’t be overstated. Nottingham is a good team though, so we won’t be walking into the game thinking we’ve already won.”
“The South Wales Echo. Everyone can see that Ashley Williams is a huge player for the Swansea team and will be a vital contributing factor to any success you experience this season. Would you agree with this assessment?”
“Absolutely. Ashley is incredibly important to the squad. When he plays well, everyone else plays a bit better as well. Well that’s all the time we have for today everyone. Thanks for coming out here. I’m hoping to give you guys something fun to watch tomorrow so make sure to tune in!”
The journalists stand up and start to slowly file out of the room. It had gone well. No really hard questions and I’m sure the players would be happy with my remarks. I took a nervous breath. 12:45 tomorrow would see my debut. Against Chelsea. At Stamford Bridge. What better place to pick up my first win?
