Fit and ready for action
Hi, hope you are all well. I would like to start by thanking everybody for the comments in relation to the first blog.
I found it very interesting to read them all and they have given me an insight into the type of things you would like to find out from me and hopefully I can address these issues in the coming weeks.
The last blog gave you a brief history of my playing career up until the point where I joined my current club Notts County. Since I arrived there in January I have suffered a frustrating time with injuries.
I pulled my hamstring against Darlington in February which came as quite a shock to me because I was under the impression that hamstring injuries only happened to players with pace such as Owen, Giggs or Dyer, and if anyone has seen me play pace is an attribute I am certainly not blessed with.
I then damaged my medial ligament in my first reserve game back which ended my season and to finish the sequence I damaged the hamstring again in pre-season.
I made my return to the first team last weekend with a substitute appearance in our 2-2 draw away to Exeter so hopefully I can get in the team soon and start repaying everyone at Notts County for the support they have given me.
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I know I am stating the obvious but being injured is one of the hardest things for a footballer to endure even though we all accept that its part of the game.
In the grand scheme of things I have been lucky on the injury front during my career. I have had a couple of hernias when I was about 20 and I also broke my leg when playing for Hartlepool (I always like to get in the fact that I played on for an hour even though it was broken. It is a macho thing!).
When you are injured, although it is no fault of your own, you walk around the training ground feeling like a spare part. I know I did last season when the boys were facing a relegation battle to stay in the Football League.
Week in and week out you could see the tension on their faces and that of the management staff and there was nothing that I could do to contribute.
This weekend we play Aldershot at Meadow Lane in what will be a very difficult game. Like Exeter City, who we played last weekend, Aldershot have come up in to League Two and have been coping admirably. From all accounts they are a very good footballing team, much like Exeter, and we will need to be at our best to get a win.
These two promoted teams are carrying on a refreshing theme which has been creeping into League Two over the last couple of years. I would like to know your thoughts, but it seems to me that the quality of football on display in general has been getting better.
A few years ago the school of thought was that you just had to be big, strong and organised to succeed at this level, but when you look at the teams who got promoted last season they were all good footballing teams.
For example, I remember we played Stockport County in January and it was like facing the Red Arrows. They were all over the place. Not sticking to a rigid 4-4-2 formation but constantly rotating their midfielders and wide players with a striker dropping into the hole. Very difficult to play against but we did manage to scrape a draw.
Our manager, Ian McParland , also shares this vision of how football should be played so hopefully we can start climbing the table playing in this manner.
Finally, following the sad news of Jimmy Sirrel's death, I would like to add my own condolences.
I never met Jimmy personally but as soon as you set foot in Meadow Lane you are instantly aware of the achievements he made and the great regard which he is held by everyone associated with the club.
It says a lot for the man that only last season when were in the midst of a relegation battle he would regularly attend all the home matches even though it was obvious that his health was on the decline.
God bless you Jimmy.
Hello, I'm Gavin Strachan. I describe myself as a "journeyman" player after 13 years in the game as a professional. I'm currently between clubs, having been released by Notts County. I'm also studying journalism and the aim of my blog is to provide an insight into the life of a footballer.
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Comments
Gavin,
I've been using this web page for years and to be honest never bothered about blogs etc etc.
I have to say yours is different and it is a really good read, I think it's because you're a down to earth decent spud....keep up the good work.
I saw you play all those years ago when you were up in Dundee (brave man!!) and thought you looked a crackin player....always wondered why we never brought you to Tynecastle. Mibbes yer old man might have counselled you on that one!!
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Hi Gavin, i used to watch you way back when you were at Coventry and have continued to keep an eye on you as you move around.
Just want to give you a pat on the back, as this blog is an honest not different perspective to the footballers life.
I will continue to read the blog and hope all goes well on the pitch and in the classroom
take care fella
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Alright Gavin.
First of all mate your blogs are a cracking read so far, hopefully some of us can pick your brain a bit more over the coming weeks about the "behind the scenes".
League 2 football is definatley improving, my brother is a Bury fan and i recently watched them against Burnley in the cup and against Brentford in the league. Whilst some of the football isn't blessed with skill and tricks, its certainly played with heart and commitment and you can see how much it means to the players.
If anybody has a local team playing at a lower level then i'd say get down and watch them! it really is enjoyable and i think youll be surprised at how good it really is.
Keep up the good work Gav
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To be honest Gavin, I only read your first blog because I'm a Celtic man and I thought to myself "I wonder what wee Gordon's son got to say" but as KingdomJambo said it's a good read. And as for his comment about bringing you to tynecastle, they're murder anyway and the way things are going these days you wouldn't have been paid.
Didn't ever pay attention to League 2, probably won't now in the most part, but I'll keep a wee eye out for Notts County. Maybe you can put some tips for the old coupon on at the end of your blog: Strachan's predictions for League 2.
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Another good read Gavin, nice one. Although I'm by no means a pro footballer, I've been hampered with ligament and hamstring injuries for the last few seasons too...it drives me mad missing Saturdays so I can barely imagine how frustrating it is for you when you are used to playing every day!
I hope you stay injury free and get back to your best...but being an Aldershot fan I hope you're not at your best this weekend! Interesting comments on the change in style seen in League 2 in the last couple of years, can only be a good thing and improve the quality and image of lower league English football. Look forward to your next blog, and good luck Saturday.
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Gavin,
It's good to hear from a Professional Footballer, who doesn't sound as though he is living on a different planet ala Micah Richards.
I am currently suffering from a hamstring injury (along with shin splints) it annoys me a lot because it looks as though I am feigning injury to the rest of my team as there are no physical 'signs' of injury.
It would interest me to know how much rest period did you require for a full recovery?
Thanks.
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A regreshing and different insight into the world of professional football. Nice to see that even though you have a famous Father, and what a great and honest attitude your Dad has to football (and probably life) that you have succeeded in the game on your own merits!
Such a shame about Jimmy Sirrell. It would be great to honour him in Nottingham by naming a road after him. It's not that difficult but the greatest legacy that Jimmy leaves is that he is thought of by so many fottball fans with a great warmth, regardless of who they follow.
I remember a story about when his wife died on match day and Jimmy just carried on as normal and continued with his preperations and the match was played and it was only after the end of the game that he told people that his wife had died earlier that day. Wouldn't happen in this era!
All the best and keep the head in the books.
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Again, well written and interesting blog that I actually take time to read(unlike most other awful blogs on BBC). Nice one, keep it up Gavin.
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Just thought I'd join the love in, It feels like the Labour Party conference on here since Gavin started his blogs.
I don't mean to mock, it is a very re-freshing read. I would say to only write when you have got something to say though, I feel a touch of hyper enthusiasm coming through in the blog and I wouldn't want to see it all go to pot because you feel the need to tell us what you had for breakfast and the furore around the state of the keeper's Y-fronts.
Not sure who I am to tell you how to write though, I struggled to put this comment together!!
Good luck, feel the love.
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Gavin
Firstly, let me mirror what has already been said. An honest blog like yours is always a better read than one written by ultra cautious prem players who say nothing of any value.
Secondly, being a Darlo fan I was there when you did your hamstring in Feb - perhaps that is why we managed to hang on for a one nil win ;-) Glad it's on the mend !
There is no doubt that the standard of football in League 2 is improving. My group of Darlo mates reckon only 1 player from around 10 years ago (Marco Gabbiadini) would make the Darlo squad now - and we reached the play off final then.
With the feeling that top level football is losing touch and becoming a billionaires play thing, football in the lower leagues is more important than ever in getting kids watching live sport and making it a part of the local community.
Keep up the great blog
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great reading Gav,
It is nice to read about guy's like yourself that has put in lots of hardwork over the years and is still making a genuine living out of this great sport. It is also refreshing to hear how other players have dealt with injuries in their careers.
I know how it feels to have injuries, i started playing senior football at 16 and back then i was playing under 18 football on a Sunday morning, i had a bit of pace back then and got spotted by Fulham when John Tigana was managing them, i had a few trials and thought this was my chance, however when i came back to play for my league club i suffered an horrendous injury, i had ruptured my medial colateral and antererior cruciate ligaments aswell as tearing my exterior cruciate too! I was only 19 at the time. my parents didn't have the money to send me for private treatment so i waited 16 months on the NHS! i have to say the surgeon that i had did a great job, although he did say with the injuries i had he didn't know if i'd ever play again, it took me 4 years to pluck up the courage to go back so i have now been back playing since i was 24 and i am now 29, i never made it to any kind of level in the end but i still enjoy the game even though i get frustrated at times, i also have just had a hamstring tear, hurt like hell, first time i have ever done it!
It's just great to have someone talking about how real football is and how much of a struggle it really can be, keep it up Gav.
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Hi Gavin,
As a Dagenham and Redbridge fan (someone else who's come into League Two recently), I would agree with the standard of football is increasing!
Seriously though, I think we're starting to see a new trend in football. For years, many clubs have overspent and then struggled - take Leeds for example - and have paid the price. While bigger clubs (like Leeds, who'll get 20-30,000 fans and are therefore very marketable as a club) are likely to be bought out, the smaller clubs are less likely. This is evident in the decline of clubs such as Scarborough, Mansfield and Oxford.
However, the clubs replacing them are of a different breed - smaller clubs (or rejuvenated clubs from days of yore), built upon much more stable finances, and less likely to get into financial trouble. Daggers are an example of this - we operate on a tight budget, but it is incredibly well managed. the likes of Morecambe, Exeter and so on are similar.
As these teams operate differently, it means we're more likely to be able to survive in the Leagues - especially with the new restraints on spending brought in (sure the BBC have a news article on this, but I can't find the link). If we're not servicing large debts, we have more money to spend on salaries and the like - this makes us that little bit more able to compete.
The Premiership also highlights this - over the last few years, many of the traditional "BIG" clubs have been relegated (Sheff Wed, Nottm Forest, Coventry C) and replaced by littler clubs - and by littler I mean historically smaller than the previous teams mentioned (Wigan, Hull C, Middlesborough). This is testament to the way these teams have been run - Wigan and Hull were both in what is now League 2 within the last 10 years or so!
Overall, I feel that we're in a state of transition in football - excluding the massive takeovers, the smaller clubs are rising up and replacing some of the giants who have perhaps been not quite cautious enough the last few years. Given another 5-10 seasons, and I would expect to see a few more "bigger" clubs playing lower league football, and some of the smaller ones ascending to great things.
Oh, and of course, Daggers winning the Premiership!
Jamey Barron, Dagenham
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Hey Gav,
I'm a Wednesdayite and remember your spell with us, we could never believe why you weren't kept on, (don't know if you want to spill the beans) you were quality and we had very little cover in that area. For years we have been short in Centre Midfield although we did have Glen Whelan for 4 years before we sold him to Stoke. It amazes me how many teams I see in the Championship who are the same, I always see it as the most important position on the pitch and although Wednesday have 4 quality centre mids this season we have often gone months and years with only 1 or 2 recognised, fit players who can play that position. I wish you a good season with Notts County, I think you can play at a higher level so hopefully you can get there with NC.
Cheers and Up the Owls,
Ben
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Great Blog Gavin.
As an avid football fan I am always eager to read or hear what footballers have to say.
You are bound to have some cracking anecdotes from your time in the game, lets hear them!
Cheers
Stephencelt
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Gavin - I have read many football blogs and I have to say that this is by far the worst.
Only joking.
Enjoyed it very much.
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alright gavin.... haven't seen you since 1983 mucking about in the pool at the holiday inn in florida. we were the family from aberdeen!
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Interresting to read you had hernias when you were younger. How on earth did that happen? I'm obviously mi-informed, because I always asssociated a hernia with old people or using the wrong technique when picking up something heavy. Is this a common injury in football, and what causes it?
(Great second blog by the way...)
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Like a previous writer I have never been one for reading Blogs but seeing as I am a Notts County fan I suppose I had to! I now live in New Zealand so it has been many years since I have been down Meadow Lane but to read about the passion that you have the game is refreshing as I think all any fan wants is to see their team play with pride and passion, be proud of wearing their colours.......if you lose then we can cope with that.
Good luck with the injury, the studying and I wish you all the best for the future and look forward to reading many more of your articles.
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Hi,
In your blog last week you mentioned about playing for a lot of clubs, I was wondering do you move your entire family for each club or just commute long distances?
Have you ever turned down an offer for a club because you didn't want to move to the area and it was to far to travel?
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Gavin,
Really enjoying your blog mate. First really decent one I've read since Pete Townshend's (massive compliment by the way).
It would be great to know whether the sense of achievement in winning games reduces as you go down the leagues? To my mind, a match is a match and if you love playing football then this should should remain.
Anyway, just to close, you are still a great Championship/League One buy on "Football Manager" mate ;-)
Cheers
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hi,
After reading a recent interview with Micah Richards in FHM I was compelled to make my friends suffer the pain that I felt from taking the time out of my life to listen to the abnoxious drivellings of a self-obsessed prat.
This, however, quite the opposite. I have enjoyed your column very much and as I tend to make a point of watching the League 2 highlights every week, I will be keeping an eye out for Notts County from now on.
It would be good if you could also share with us some funny anecdotes you have heard of/been involved in as a player.
Keep up the good work
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Thank you for making the world of football seem like the one the fans live in. I enjoy your honest approach to writing and look forward to seeing what else you have to say.
I'm a Liverpool fan so don't pay much attention to goings on outside the Premier League aside from looking at Southport (used to live), Brentford (my dad's team) and Plymouth (where I used to live and my family are now). I have to say that football played outside of the premier league strikes me as, like your article, as honest and much more true to the roots of the game. For me the Premier League is a world unto itself, and an ugly one at that...
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Gavin,
I never would read the blogs on this page but am glad I took the time to read your blogs so far.
I know how you feel with regards injuries, I'm just back playing myself after my 2nd leg break in 5 years (and I'm only 22). It was tough but the hard work is beginning to pay off. At times you wonder 'will I ever get back to my best after this', and the answer I came up with 'no, I am going to be better than I was.'
I'll keep an eye out for the Notts County results along with the Bury ones (I have a cousin plays for them).
Keep up the good work Gavin, good luck!
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gavin,
was wondering if, without giving too much away, if you could talk a bit about the differing team talks your manager gives at half time depending on how the first half went.
does he ever give you or other team-mates the fergie "hairdryer" treatment?!
is it often that the manager will make tactical changes?
and what is the best and worst dressing rooms you have ever been in?
hope your recovery continues to go well.
look forward to your response
josh
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How the hell did you manage to play for an hour with a broken leg?
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Gavin,
Great first two blogs great insight into the lower divisions, i agree with you the quality
is certainly improving saw Aldershot play Coventry in Carling cup and they did not disgrace themselves at all.Keep up the good work and hope you stay injury free.
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Gavin,
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Gavin,
good to hear your gettin fit mate, interesting read, gona try get to the gillingham game.
ben
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Good blog Gav, just wondering what it means to play for Notts Co with all the history such as being the world's oldest professional club and also the shirt being the inspiration behind Juventus'?
I bet walking through the club musuem makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck?
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Hi Gavin - your talk of injuries is very insightful - I hope that you are well on the mend and (touch wood) carry on without any further injuries or setbacks.
One question that I have always pondered and would love to hear the views of a pro on, is why footballers seem to pick up so many more career-stalling and even career-threatening injuries than rugby players, depsite the much more physical, bone-grinding aspect of the game of rugby?
I assume partly this is because footballers are fine tuned machines and rugby (fowards at least) are blunt instruments, but even with the rugby backs there seem to be far less incidents of tweaks, strains and tears? Are footballers just sissies in comparison or is there more to it than that?
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Gavin, A refreshing read.
I am a Chelsea season ticket holder (30th season!) but I have to say, although we're now 'living the dream', I am more and more drawn to lower league football. your excellent blog reinforces the feeling that the guys like yourself really are just like me and that you understand what it's like a little more for the man in the street.
Good luck to you and Notts Co. i'll keep an eye out for your results. I may make the leap back to watching 'proper' football soon.
Cheers,
Matt
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Gavin,
Thanks for the interesting artical. Me, as a Posh fan, would be interested in hearing any interesting stories you have about your time there........
It is also interesting you mentioned interchangable formations being on your managers mind at the moment. I saw an interview with Chris Coleman a few months ago where he stated this was his outlook on football but unfortunatly not enough of his players (at the time) understood postioning and tactics to do it succesfully. How much do you contentrate on specific skills of your position and how much is generic footballing skills (which seem to be reducing in this country) ?
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great read gav.
cheers for your kind words about us (stockport). i went to near enough every game last season and would definately agree the standard of football has improved.
teams at this level like ourselves have started employing young, dynamic managers with young, energetic squads (mk dons, rochdale, peterborough to name a few) who are taught to play football the right way.
the basement league used to just be a mix of washed up has beens (like yourself! joke) and ugly football. i especially think our game against rochdale at wembley was a great advertisement for league 2.
hope you stay injury free after the hamstring heels!
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Fab blog - and nice mention about Jimmy Sirrell.
Such a nice change from the usual rubbish we seem to get on this website in terms of blogs and also (shamefully for the BBC) in terms of actual articles.
Keep up the good work!
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
good read but some what dry! I just feel as if it lacks that something extra. It's only your second blog so i'll retreat a bit. certainly is a different angle tho, i like variety!
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Hi
Interesting Blog as many have said.
As you mentioned you have been somewhat of a journeyman throughout your career.
I for one am interested in the different coaching techniques used by different teams throughout the different divisions and how they have changed through your years in pro football.
Yes of course the basics will always be there however what in your opinion has changed most?? What strategies are implemented?? Etc etc
Another thing is the "office politics" within the club, can you give us an insight into that! ! Sorry that is the best way i can describe it.
Good luck for the rest of season and with your course.
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Great blog Gavin,
A professional footballer with brains and common sense!
Great to see you doing well for yourself - I remember watching you play for Coventry.
How does the wee man feel about his son becoming a journalist ;)
keep up the good work!
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So, Gordon Strachan's son wants to be a journalist. And the BBC is giving him a leg up. Shame my Dad's not a well connected millionaire.
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Interesting to read the comments here. I think many of us lower league fans still enjoy the game, but seem to consider Premiership football and Champions league as a different sport to the 'football' below that level.
Not sure breaking your leg and playing on is macho -- Trautman broke his neck and played on in the famous cup final!
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Why do people think that this is a huge insight into football? What have we learnt? That you walk around the training ground on your own when you're injured?
Fair dooze to Gavin, and it is fairly refreshing to read something other than Micah Richards, and unlike some, he's actually studying to be a journalist rather than stumbling into the Sky Sports studios and getting a job.
But if you want a REAL insight into football; read Hunter Davies' The Glory Game.
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Will never forget your display in midfield in Cov's first ever win at Villa Park in 1998. Could never understand why you didnt get further chances to impress with us, but have followed your career ever since.
At last we have an intersting BBC football blog worth reading. Keep it up.
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oh and Gav, ignore the sniping comments. People have too much time on their hands, and not enough of a life!
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Hi Gavin
I must add to the growing list of people who find it refreshing to hear from a footballer who is in the real world.
Read you blogs and enjoyed them - keep them coming.
I follow County's results as they are local to me and are fellow founders of the football league with The Rams among others.
good luck with the injuries and get back to playing soon.
Take care
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Gavin,
Like the blog not so keen on the Barnet Fair!
A couple of questions.
1. When you're out with a long term injury like a leg break are you expected to attend all training sessions?
2. Do the senior players have the same training schedules as the other squad members or are they adapted in order to preserve energy reserves for match day?
All the best
Gibbard
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Gavin
Enjoying the blog.
Good luck with the return from Injury. I'm interested in how difficult it is going to be to balance the job (football) the course and the family.
Hubbard said.
"Character is the result of two things: mental attitude and the way we spend our time.”
Dad must be proud.
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post 19 .Its a great question and one that I will answer in more depth on a later blog . A quick answer is that when I was younger I would have moved anywhere to play but now with the kids in school and the cost of property I would have to think about it.
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point 39 . Apart from the fact that he says he is never going to speak to me again .Pretty well!.
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Great blog. As a Notts fan now living away from Nottingham I'm now restricted to following the Pies on the internet and making occasional trips to Meadow Lane or matches in and around London (I'll be watching when the Sky cameras make the trip to Notts in a couple of weeks too). This kind of thing is great for the club and it's nice to see that at least a few more people will be watching out for the club's results.
Just wanted to add how sad it is to hear of Jimmy Sirrel's death. A sad loss for the club and football in general.
Good luck for tomorrow. Let's hope the spell of draws can be ended with a home victory.
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Gav
I know you're new to all this and it's refreshing to hear you're taking extra curricular interests to preserve you're standard of living once you finally get found out as a pro.... but I think it may be a step too far, too soon.
I hope something interesting (or at least something that doesn't look like your son wrote) comes from the next one, otherwise I for one will be waiting for Jason Lee's instalment : )
Remember, why use 6 words when you can use 1.....
All the best mate, you seem like a top guy and you're dad is a legend.
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SHABBA1888 - F365 LEGEND
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Good afternoon Gavin
I think the Hamstring injury is one of the more common ones in recent times. Also players such as Rooney and Owen are breaking toes because of the boots they are wearing.
Does it ever occur to a player that although the boots are light as hell, that if they do get a dodgy tackle or stray studs hitting the toes they may get injured?
I wish you a speedy recovery and back to playing football.
We have had a debate in the office today about this and i wondered what your thoughts were about the following
Every player is given a basic salary
Every player is then given a pay as you pay bonus (those in the 18 that get picked each week get this bonus)
Every player can sign goal, set up, clean sheet bonuses
I think a lot of people are getting disillusioned with crocked players such as Dyer going out and buying a new ferrari. What exactly has Mr Dyer done in the last 2-3 years to warrant buying a Supercar?
i think my proposal is a good one.
Your thoughts?
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Hi Gavin,
good stuff, keep it up.
My question, similar to #19 : you've travelled around the clubs a lot, by necessity I guess, if they've not kept you on (not a personal criticism!)
Are you envious of players that you come across who are one-club men? Are they treated any more preferentially within the club and by the fans? Do you think it makes them perform just that 1% better than the 'journeymen'? (I'm of the opinion that most genuine footballers will always give 100%, even if they're doing the rounds).
Do you think you would have preferred to have been a one-club man yourself?
(I won't put you on the spot by asking which club - it'll be fairer to ask that when you playing career is over - which I hope won't be for ages yet!)
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Good afternoon Gavin,
You made the point that the standard of football in League 2 is improving and I'm wondering if the step up to League 1 would have been a step too far for you had you stayed with Peterborough United.
As the current League table shows, the Posh are struggling to find their feet in a higher division after gaining promotion.
Some of the players such as Craig Mackail-Smith and George Boyd have taken to it like a duck to water but others such as Charlie Lee and Chris Whelpdale are finding the pace of the game a bit too hot to handle.
Had you stayed with the club do you think you would still have been in the first team at the higher level?
And more importantly. how do you cope if you realise you aren't good enough? Do you tell the manager you're struggling or do you bite the bullet when you're dropped from the team?
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Really enjoying this blog, and the questions you're getting, and the fact that you drop in to answer them. As for your answer to 39, I know it's tongue in cheek, but one of the best tips for a journalist is to say things in an interesting and engaging way, and that's something your old man is one of the best at.
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Hey Gavin,
Glad to hear you have recovered from your injury now. One of the things that has always puzzled me about footballers is how they seem to pick up injuries that nobody else has ever heard of and considering how fit they are I have never quite understood how. I know it must be really frustrating but as you pointed out, you haven't been as unlucky as some players such as Michael Owen. I think for some strange reason fans sometimes think that footballers are some sort of supermen who should never get ill or have any problems with their physique. I mean look at Lionel Messi - he had to have an operation on his legs when he was young but has still remarkably become one of the best players in the world! (It makes you think).
Keep up the good work!
Matt
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Nice stuff Gavin. It must be because I've read both so far and I couldn't give a toss about what most footballers say.
But as a budding writer can you only use 'hopefully' when you REALLY mean it. It goes without saying most of the time but that doesn't stop EVERY footballer saying it ALL OF THE TIME. It sounds so dumb.
The other one I hate is 'It was not to be' – it means 'We lost'. Period. Unless you're Mystic Meg.
All the best
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Hi Gavin,
I'm a big Hpool fan and was ther at yor debut against Peterbrough (great free-kick). As a young person i have already become disallusioned with higher tier football, players think ther better than fans etc. And truely believe you see better football in the lower leagues because of the greater passion and will 2 win shown. Always shown by yourself when you played. Enjoying your blogs so far and looking forward to others.
Hope we play you in the cup!!
All the best.
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alrite gav,
i'm a hartlepool fan and was also there on your debut with that great goal (even though micky nelson's was better). blogs looking good so far but to be honest i know we can get more out of you haha. and i was also there when you played on with a broken 'leg' against blackpool (i think!!!) and i'm 90% sure that it was your ankle. can you certify what it really was because now i'm confused
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Will the real Gavin Strachan please stand up!! Looking forward to seeing you play for the magpies this season.
Hope you start tomorrow and we get our first win of the season in the league for Jimmy Sirrell.
I realise I'm getting old as I watched your old man boss the game as Leeds beat Notts on route to the Championship 1992 (Pre Premier League).
He was everywhere and ran the show, maybe at league 2 you can pull the strings and release Wizard of the wing Myles Weston.
PS You don't have plans to go on countdown do you?!!!
Andrew
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Post 54. Never really thought about it but now you ask part of me would have liked to have been at the same club all my career because chances are you would then be a legend at the club but then another part of me thinks I would never have met some of the great people I have come across.
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post 60 . It was my leg . The reason I could play on was because it was the non weight bearing bone in the leg . I always forget Tibula or Fibula?.
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post 58 . your right there are words that I use too much and I appreciate the tips I have been getting.
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Hey Gavin,
It's good to have you back but remember as you get older you get more of these niggles.
It was really great you mentioned Jimmy Sirrel. I met him when as a kid and I remember getting a good afternoon and a smile a few years back on matchday.
It's really good that you, as a Notts player, recognise what he means to Notts people and the tradition of the club. I'm sure you'll all get a result for him and I hope Mr McParland uses Jimmy's achievement as a big motivator for you all thoughout the season.
Regards and all the best,
JamieB
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Hi Gavin,
I started my pre entry NCTJ qualifications this september in Sheffield and found that your blog made for interesting reading! The shorthand is a nightmare to pick up, especially as in your case when you seem to work so many hours and with a young family too. Anyway I'll be keeping up with your blog and hope it makes as interesting as the first couple. Good luck pal!
Rich.
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Cracking posts Gav - have enjoyed each one immensely
You and your Dad must have a great bit of banter going on this ( telll him from me he is a top man, and that I hope he enjoys his time at Celtic as much as I have been enlightened as to to your article as to the recent bereavement at the County
Boing Boing by the way ( maybe he would have got the result had he mentioned the great loss)
Listened to the remarkes by Howard W and Jim S and I am humbled by their tributes and as a so called football buff enlightened by the fact that I knew nothing of the chap until tonight.
Cheers pal for that
I Hope you are inspired by the number of people replying to your blog ( as long as you don't speak like a wolves fan you have a carear in the making )
- At least you have decided that the next best thing to playing is journalism as opposed to being a ref ( assume you know that you will give stick as opposed to take and be better paid)
hurry up I need to read your next post !!!!
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Gavin just read the HUGE number of comments that have been posted and not sure who is better off - your dad for being around the champions league or yourself, who must be feeling the love of eloquent football fans
- then again I reckon you are getting the better deal - You get the love of fans and your dad's inheritance !!!!!!
ps
99-8 % of celtic ( so called fans) reckon Gordon is doing a fantastic job - trophy cabinet is full now ( and they now expect CL final)
- of the other .2% half are so pissed they haven't got a clue what is going on ( but thought Shaun Maloney never left)
- the rest well best not mention ....
keep 'em coming mate - I know your Dad is so self confident but I'm sure he would welcome a well done
James
(England just passing through Ardrossan for the last 4 years !!!)
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post 68 (jimcbaggie)...
"99-8 % of celtic ( so called fans) reckon Gordon is doing a fantastic job - trophy cabinet is full now ( and they now expect CL final)
- of the other .2% half are so pissed they haven't got a clue what is going on ( but thought Shaun Maloney never left)
- the rest well best not mention ...."
"the rest" what rest?? 99.8 + 0.2 = 100%
Are you one of the pissed ones who cant count?
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Niceish blog - like others say more anecdotes always add to the flavour.
Had the good fortune to meet Jimmy Sirrell on a couple fo occasions - once at St Mirren who Notts were playing in the old Anglo Scottish - true gentleman and a man of football.
Re broken leg - Ex Sheffield U player Harry Priest was injured whilst playing in the days before subs (and trained physios) after the application of water Harry was told to carry on - he stood up and fell over with his broken leg! and still managed another few minutes (allegedly - but he was from "the Cross")
Good luck with the injury and while you are sidelined maybe you could pop up the road and kick the spireites into action !!
Cheers
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Hi Gavin ,
Great read , And like a few comments I have read , I never usually bother with blogs , But really good to hear from someone who sounds right down to earth , Ime a Killie fan and look forward to your comments , Wish you all the best at Meadow lane----Keep the chin up mate ,Stick in at the studies----youve coped with worse
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Great blog really interesting stuff.
Something that I'm keen to know is, as a father of three, how does having a new baby affect a footballer ?
I'm a season ticket holder and mentioning no names, last season one of our players' form went out the window the moment he became a dad.
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Very interesting and well written Gavin. I too am never normally one to read blogs, with our "national treasure" chick young's articles falling into that category!
Not depressing and interesting to hear about the life of a real footballer and the passage into sports journalism.
Cheers
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jings Gavin, surely you can afford a decent haircut with you BBC pay check?!
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Hi Gavin,
I'm a Shrewsbury fan, so its great to see a player from our league get a blog. I read the first one, and enjoyed it, this one was as good. I've kept an eye on your career, and I have some questions for you
1) Who is the worst manager you have played for?
2) Who is the best/worst player you have played with/against
3) Can you remember what your worst mistake in a game was?
Il be looking for the next blog with interest. Best of luck with injury, and I hope to see you at the Pro Star soon!
Floreat Salopia!
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You were all a credit to Jimmy yesterday - former and current players alike. Thank you!
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re post #69
"the rest - what rest?? 99.8 + 0.2 = 100%
Are you one of the [drunk] ones who cant count?"
The message said, of the other .2%, half are so drunk that they haven't got a clue what is going on. Now I'm not a maths doctorate, but half of .2% would to me be .1%.
Thus giving 99.8 + 0.1 = 99.9%
Sporting blog! Ha, no, it's a maths lecture. Next week ladies and gentlemen, I will demonstrate how to solve quadratic equations...
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Hi Gavin,
Great to see a blog by a Notts player, very interesting read. Even better to get that first win in the board on Saturday, you and the rest of the lad were superb on a very emotional day, and hopefully that gets the wins starting to come more frequently!
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Notts fan here.
Jimmy was a sad loss and I'll always remember him.
I think League 2 football is improving in standard. From the football I've seen at Meadow Lane this season it's been very entertaining with little use of the long ball.
Two things in particular have stood out.
Firstly, the defensive midfielder - Myles Weston in our case. Excellent against Bournemouth.
Secondly, take someone on wide whilst the defence is retreating and get an early cross in. Defenders hate it, strikers love it as do the crowd.
Ian McParland has done a great job so far, I hope your fitness holds this season Gavin. Stay positive.
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Hello, are you deeply religious. Are your teammates deeply religious and does this effect football at all. I love the lower leagues the premiership is for rich prawn sandwich eaters. thank you sincerely.
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Love the comment about Stockport, Gavin. I saw the Red Arrows this year, so I can say that's quite a compliment!
The system we played in the second half of last season was great, probably the best football I've seen County play. Between losing our lynchpin, Liam Dickinson, and stepping up a division, we haven't quite been able to replicate it this season but we're holding our own.
I remember you joining us on loan from Hartlepool when Chris Turner was in charge, you brought a touch of quality and composure to a midfield that was lacking in both. I think we'd have liked to sign you but we were going through a tough time and the next season was frightful.
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Dear Gavin,
I have never really paid attention to blogs or online stories. I guess that the fact I'm not a guy for books doesn't aid that, but I find it harder to read on the computer than in a book if it's more than about 3 paragraphs long.
So, how come I was able to read your blog, and not give up, skip ahead or seek out some parts, and ignore the rest? I'm bewildered, and I hope to be for some time, so keep up the good work.
And good luck against Aldershot. I'll keep an eye out on Ceefax for the match. Please score, maybe like Geovanni against Arsenal, just to see you on Ceefax.
Luke
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I'm bored already hearing about your life as a journeyman footballer.
You done well in the first blog not to mention your father, although there were plenty of inferences.
The only surprise is that it took until your second blog to plaster a clip of him all over it.
My bone of contention is this - why should an inexperienced journalist be given a blog on a global website when there are thousands more better qualified people out there.
Being a failed professional with a good connection seems to be all you've achieved.
I certainly won't be reading your blog from now on and I hope the BBC take heed.
But, as ever, no doubt you will have plenty of references to Strictly Come Dancing and other BBC babies in your blog in the coming weeks to keep your bosses happy. I'm just glad I won't be reading it.
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Boyboyce?
why are you even making a comment??
Typical british ideals!
If you don't want to read the blog; DON'T!
Just don't knock another man for having a go!
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Millers_eagle:
Sorry sweetheart, does your husband write?
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