The ups and downs of professional football
Hi, hope you are all well.
There are many jobs tougher than mine, but few involve ups and downs as extreme as those involved in professional football.
There are not many better feelings than driving home after you have put in a good display and your team has earned a victory. You can't wait for the next game, the next chance to get out on the pitch and show what you can do. You have cemented your place in the side for another week and are looking forward to a good week's training.
Unfortunately, this immense high can quickly be replaced with an unbelievable low, making us players pretty difficult to live with. A poor performance or something even worse like an injury the following weekend can signal feelings of great insecurity, especially for players in the lower leagues - or maybe it's just me!
Thoughts then change to "I'm getting dropped for the next game" or "My contract's up at the end of the season. If I am not in the side, I am not going to get another job".
A great example of this high-low swing from my own past was when I was on trial at Sheffield Wednesday. One week I was getting measured up for the club suit, which had me believing that I was going to be offered a contract and that my career was on the up.
The next week I was quite literally down the dole office after being told I was not needed and this was with just a week to go before the new season when most clubs already had their squad in place.
A common generalisation about footballers is that results don't mean as much as they do to the fans and that as soon as that final whistle goes our thoughts are on anything but the game. This is not the case with most of the players I know.
I have lost track of the number of times after a match that I have woken up during the night thinking "Why did I do that?" or "Why didn't I do that?"
I have spoken to a lot of players about this and the overall conclusion I have come to is that we are a lot more insecure than you would think. There are plenty of players who appear bold and brash on the outside merely to cover up frailties in their character.
At the moment, this is a hugely frustrating time to be Notts County player or fan. Twice in the space of seven days we have dominated a home game but only managed draws. Both Brentford and Macclesfield gave us tough games but with the amount of chances we created over the course of the two matches we really should have achieved maximum points.
We also drew 2-2 at Gillingham on Tuesday and are fully aware that we need to start turning these draws into victories soon if we are to make up ground on the teams ahead of us.
Since the game at the weekend my wife has been trying to keep any sharp instruments out of my reach and also remove all the laces from my shoes.
In the last minute of the Macclesfield game I felt a sharp pain in my left hamstring and had to be substituted. As I have only just recovered from an injury to my right hamstring, you can appreciate where I got the idea for the first few paragraphs!
At the time of writing I don't know the extent of the injury so I am not sure just how depressed to be! In all seriousness I am trying to stay positive and hope that it is just a strain that won't keep me out for long. I must also wish my team-mate Adam Tann a speedy recovery after he suffered a particularly nasty injury at the weekend.
A couple of blogs ago I mentioned the plight of my little boy's team who had not managed to win a game. I am glad to report this is no longer the case.
They have won their last two matches with the 'little man' getting four goals. Apparently in the last game the opposition goalkeeper went in a huff and started letting them in because he didn't feel he was getting enough protection from his defenders!
I'd like to think that the winning streak is down to the man who has started taking training on a Wednesday afternoon - me! (Note to the team manager - only joking.)
What was I thinking when I agreed to take on this job? If any of you out there coach an under 8s team you have my total admiration. The session starts at four in the afternoon, straight after school, so as you can imagine they are like caged animals let loose!
Towards the end of the session even I am sick of my own voice saying "don't do that" or "listen in" but I enjoy it really, it is good fun and it is great to see a more innocent form of the game where all the boys want to do is enjoy themselves and pick up the odd bit of advice.
It has surprised me just how rewarding it can be when you see the little signs of improvement, even if I do have to top up on the headache tablets when I get home!
I would like to finish by paying tribute to the memory of my former Hartlepool United team mate Michael Maidens. Saturday was the first anniversary of his death. He was a lovely lad who is still fondly remembered by his friends.
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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Another nice blog our Gav. We'll have to get you writing for Nottingham's best-loved Entertainments magazine LeftLion (also online at www.leftlion.co.uk) at some point if you're interested in being in print too!
Really glad Delroy is off the mark! DELROOYY!!
Commiserations to you and Adam Tann (as well as all out other injured players) get well soon!
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What's the funniest chant you've come across in football by the way? Ever heard anything as bizarre yet beautiful as Notts County's 'Wheelbarrow song'?
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Loving your blog Gavin.
Keep up the good work, Hope the hammy heals up soon.
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Why is it that some players seem to go through more clubs that Tiger Woods.
For example, Trevor Benjamin. Is it that they are hard to work with or what?
Surely it isn't as simple as just not being good enough or wanting to change the scenery every season!
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Gavin
Has anyone told you you look like the actor who played the cop who drunk Lloyd's "beer" in Dumb and Dumber?
The resemblance is uncanny.
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Feel for you Gavin.
I started running an under 9's team with my best friend 2 years ago after there manager walked, we agreed, and at the time were only 20. Me and my friend were pretty decent players and found it really frustrating when the kids could not do simple things like throw ins and passing in a staright line. in the 2 years doing it we have seen an vast improvement, but still they get trounced some weeks. thing that gets me is, that a not so good player can score an amazing goal and that will do his confidence a world of good for the rest of the season, even when he has awful game. i have got so involved in taking these kids for training that i dont even see my beloved QPR anymore. when my kids win it is great feeling and one that keeps me going all week thru work. i used to get the same buzz at QPR.
good luck with the coaching, its VERY hard work.
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Good blog again
Gavin, when you are injured do you have to go the matches, or does the manager take
the view that having injured/depressed players around will have a negative effect on the team?
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post 7 .
We have to go to the home games and watch even though it can be torture watching . You have to make an effort for the good of the team and make sure you wish everyone all the best.
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post 5 .
I know the guy you mean , fair point .
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Post 6.
Thanks for the insight . I think like you I might be getting the coaching badge.
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Good blog Gav.
Firstly must say what a blow it is to yourself and the Magpies that you are injured. You had just got into your stride, and particularly versus Brentford I thought you were very good.
You talk about the players being fully aware that we need to turn draws into wins which is fair enough and I don't doubt that but it is clearly something that the players should have been aware of for a while.... so what can be done exactly to change it?
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Hi Gavin, love the blog and I'm not just saying that as a Notts supporter. This may or may not help, but I used to play semi-pro and had a similar problem with my hamstrings. They would both just feel like I had pulled/strained them on and off all of them time. I saw the club physio who advised me that my sacrio-iliac joint was out of line which was causing my hanmstrings to overcompensate when I ran. She treated me quite easily and I haven't had a hamstring pull/strain in 10 years. Maybe mention this to the club pysio to have a look for you.
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post 12 .
Thanks very much for the advice . Will mention that to him tomorrow.
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post 11.
We think that collectively we need to convert a better ratio of chances created and also concentrate more when we take the lead in a game.
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Hi Gavin
Reading your blog makes me think of all those press releases you see during the close season. So-and-so released, the tale of a former premiership trainee, and the quick procession down the leagues, until you see them scrapping around in a Blue Square league, and still only 23 or so, and you think of the disappointment. How it was all so different only a few years ago. I suppose being in touching distance of such wealth make it especially disheartening.
But that is life I suppose, reality I think they call it. At least the players and the fans of the lower league clubs have a connection in that. It just makes it so much more special when you do achieve something, like getting promoted, or getting through to the 3rd Round of the FA Cup and getting a top club and giving them a run for their money.
All the best
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An entertaining read Gavin, I used to take school kids for training sessions and I admire any one who does it. Hope the injury proves to be not too serious.
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gav thanks for taking the time to write in my opinion an honest blog about football life and then to take the time to reply to the comments posted.
Good luck with the hammy and the kids.
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Hi Gavin,
Been enjoying your blogs over the last few weeks, hope the injury isint too serious. As someone who likes a bet on football I have often wondered why home advantage is so important? I mean I can understand why going to Anfield or Old Trafford can be intimidating but, cup ties aside, how tough can it be to go to places like Aldershot or Stranraer ? (no disrespect to either by the way! I'm sure they are very nice towns!)
Cheerio,
Andres
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Terrific Blog...I wish the others learn how to put up quality topics.
Very interesting to know about the psychological battle that a player goes thru week in – week out.
As a fan, I find it very difficult to get over certain results of the club I follow (ManUtd). My weekend is literally ruined at times. I would like to know what does a Manager do / say to get his team again up and running – all inspired and hungry to win the next game?
Wish you all the very best and quick recovery from ur injury.
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Gavin
ricgos could be right about the scario-iliac joint. I've had problems with that joint and hamstring trouble until it was put right. I'll warn you mind, the Darlington FC physio who put it right took great pleasure in "clicking" the joint back in.
Good to see you remembering your old team mate Michael Maidens. I'm a Darlo fan but at times like that, football rivalry goes out of the window.
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Excellent column (as you are studying Journalism) Gavin.
I thought you were one of Pools better players in your time there. Though you did have a mare in the play-off final.
I would say that your final paragraph puts everything else into perspective. Sadly, Michael Maidens can't experience the ups and downs that should have come along in his promising career. Thanks for remembering him to us.
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Well done Gav, I read your blogg with great interest from Australia and before moving here a couple of years ago was an (& still am) an Oxford Utd fan for 20 yeras. It is good to understand the real side of football. There are only a small % of players earning the massive salaries and you guys only have a short window of opportunity to earn money plying your trade. And not everyone can or will have the foresight to carve out other job opportunities with in your industry. I truly hope you dad is proud of what you are doing (I bet he is). I often wonder how some of the lower league stars cope when they come to the end of their game and no longer do crowd cheer their name and they are just another face shopping in Tesco, it must be very hard.
Paul Smith, Woody Point.
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Nice blog Gav. Nice to hear a real view about football for once
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Hi Gav, love the blog, keep up the good work! Just got a quick question for you, whats it like playing along side the legend that is Richard Butcher? Is it like training with Ronaldinho everyday?
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I am enjoying reading your blog.
I played in the lower leagues in scotland for many years.
Its good to hear that other people go through the same.
All the best with with the writting keep it up,
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Great blog Gavin...really enjoyable read!
Glad to see the mention of young Michael Maidens. Used to play footy with him as a lad and he was always a fantastic lad.
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Interesting read there Gav - I think there is a future in it for you, so good luck. Nice of you to mention Michael Maidens - he is still remembered by all of us here at Hartlepool.
By the way you must be wondering whats going on at Pools at the moment with all these goals flying in (at both ends)? It certainly isn't boring at the moment!
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This is the best blog i have read yet. very personal. good luck on your recovery and to your little boy.
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Hi Gavin, yet again a great blog full of insights and unusual aspects of the game that we fans don't normally come across.
You say that a common generalisation of footballers is that they don't care so much these days. I believe you when you say this is not so. But I think this is not so from parts of the Championship downwards. Players who actually need their contracts and to play to earn their living will, of course, care very much.
However we have all witnessed the "mercenary" players on multi million pound contracts, smiling and laughing as they leave the pitch having lost a game. For those guys, even if their contracts are not renewed, they will return to their countries in a few years with riches in their bank accounts they had not dreamed of as youngsters. They have no history or loyalty and I cannot understand how football supporters even want to pay to see these players.
This is why more and more genuine fans have become disenfranchised with the Premiership and now take a lot more interest in all the other leagues. Because the players there DO care and not only want to win, but need to win to keep their positions. Just like people in ordinary jobs.
So I sincerely hope that your injury doesn't prevent you playing for long. Here's to a quick recovery and to your next blog. Long may it continue - and thanks again.
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Gavin
Good to see you are keeping this going regularly.
How about describing a typical day. I've never been to a training session, so have no idea what you actually go through.
I only see the glamour of the games at the Ricoh Arena, not the hard work that goes on behind the scenes, would be good to see the real work that goes on.
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Which club, in your opinion, has the best and worse atmosphere at a football match?
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Another good blog Gavin.
I would be interested to read about the club (and your ex clubs) involvement in the local community and how important you feel that role is.
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Gavin
A wonderful insight yet again into the mind of a footballer
A question for you - looking back on your career as a journeyman footballer, is there one club which you have played for where you would still like to be.
I see top players like Garcia and Pongolle play for Athletico and i know for a fact that they would prefer to be at Anfield still, even players like Fowler, Owen and James would love to be playing at Anfield.
I dont mean this next comment in a bad way but its about your dad. I just got the feeling that on Tuesday night he never really believed his Celtic team could beat Man U. I know that there is a family link to United and your father was very successful. But the whole not being upset or anything really got to me. Perhaps one day your dad wants to be Uniteds next manager? It was if he was star struck and took it all in, a bit like punching above your own weight.
Like i said, its not a criticism, i just think that if you go into a game believing your not going to win, then whats the point in showing up? I actually like Celtic (the fans at the end belting out Youll Never Walk Alone louder than any Manc fan trying to boo it down can only be applauded!).
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Great post Gav.
In answer to jaredw, the funniest football chant I've ever heard is the Aberdeen fans singing for Steve Lovell;
"Love...Lovell tear you apart, again!"
also
"What's that coming over the hill, it's Ricky Foster, it's Ricky Foster!"
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Karim 1981. You seemed to have totally missed the point here.
I'd be happy to bet that you weren't born within 100 miles of Anfield yet you seem to think you're a real "supporter".
"...I know for a fact that they'd rather be at Anfield..." how? do you talk to them? do you know their salary at Liverpool, and how it compares to their one in Madrid?
Please, you should realise you have very little knowledge before you start declaring your "facts" and going on to your idiotic analysis of the Utd - Celtic match.
You have no idea what the players or manager were feeling, or their intentions before / during the game. In fact, u just have no clue whatsoever...
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Hi Gavin,
Thanks so much for bothering to do this blog. I'm a liverpool fan that lives in Aldershot and plays in the aldershot and district league. I love football but do get disillusioned by what I see and read with the stars in the premiership and the luxurious lifestyle they lead whilst having tha audacity to complain about it.
I love the honesty you write with. It is a real insight into proper football and the stresses and strains of trying to earn a crust and maintain a marriage/personal life etc.
One question: As a player, I am told we can't speak to the ref now, only the captian can, and any swearing will see us sent off, no questions asked. What is it like in your league? Do you think that the kids watching the Premiership have any chance of respecting ref's when pro's seem to get away with murder.
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Great Blog Gavin
I always remember you at Hartlepool when you decicded to grow your hair you were the spitting image of Adam Boyd. You also scored and everybody was cheering for Boydy. Classic Moment
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Great blog again Gavin!
Really pleased you have discovered the joys of coaching! it is such a rewarding job when you see them improving, especially if its something you have taught them! Great feeling!
I used to coach your lad in coventry, and he was never any trouble, good little player as well!
Is coaching something youve thought about when you finish your career?
Ben Parkins
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Great blog Gavin, I feel for you with your under 8's team,our boys lost their first five games 8-0..but then picked up their first victory after their opponennts were dragged off the pitch at half time by their parents and driven home after we were beating them 3-0..!!!
Our side started just 3 months before the start of the season and we ended up with all the lads that nobody else wanted and one or two little gems but they have all stuck together and tried their little hearts out for us and thats what makes it all worthwhile.
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Brandyrecovery
An example of and idiot who should practise what he preaches.
You can't (in the majority of cases) help who you support. I was born in Aberdeen, proud Scottish supporter (national team) but I support Man Utd as my dad does and it was the first team I seen when I was 4/5, same as my little brother and by god I'll make sure my newly born nephew does as will my kids in the future (im only 24). I've been to OT as much as I can afford, watch every game, pay for sky, setanta and MUTV, a member of One united, man u fansites etc etc evenb though I have very little disposable income (much to my gf's dismay!)
Yet I'm not a real supporter? Why is that? If i came from Manchester bought a replica top but took no interest in the club I would be a real supporter would I?
You have no clue mate of what a real fan is or not so do us all a favour and shut up.
Oh and as for your attck on Karim, I like Gordon Strachan and don't mind Celtic at all but it did seem as if he thought Celtic couldn't win. I read the Scottish Sun every day and from all his interviews I got that impression, espec considering all his physical players were out.
Even if he didn't Karim was only expressing an opinion you elitist brain dead idiot., Gordon isn't your dad so what the hell does it matter to you?
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Gavin
Great stuff as always. Here is a questions that has always bothered me and I am sure some of my outsiders would like to know. When players or coaches say "he had goo training session" what does that mean? Maybe for a striker it would mean hitting few goals in training, but what about midfielders, defenders, etc. For example, Evra had an interview few days ago with the Guardian where he says that he trains against Ronaldo. Well if Evra is stopping Ronaldo in training does that mean Ronaldo did not had a good session and vice versa.
On another note it would be great if you can elaborate how a training sessions go at teams. Type of work on Monday's Tuesday, etc? Watching videos of games.
I am also very interested in discussions during half time, strategies, morale boosting discussion etc.
Keep up the good work.
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You're really getting into your stride with the blog now, Gavin - it's a joy to read.
Trying to get objective about subjective things like whether we've played well or not - some people get caught up with thinking that 'trying hard' is the same as being hard on yourself, for example.
I'd be interested to read how you judge your performances, and on what criteria...
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Good blog yet again, and good luck with the youth coaching as it can be really rewarding (yet equally frustrating!).
I worked up to my UEFA "B" award some years ago and enjoyed every minute of it, however the junior game is littered with "coaches" who think that badges are for robots, yet it's no surprise that their teams are often the most ill-disciplined of the lot.
Over the ten years I coached I aimed to teach the kids how to play with a smile on their faces, yet also to learn about teamwork and discipline. Without trying I lost seventeen players to schools of excellence and academies and even had one boy taken off for trials with PSV, Feyenoord, IFK Gothenburg, Brescia, Monaco and Lille all before he was fourteen. Unfortunately he lacked confidence in his ability and, despite apparently performing well at all of his trials and being offered youth training terms at two clubs, he drifted out of the game before he was seventeen, hating the "chav's" that were ruining the game at junior level. Now nearly nineteen he shows no inclination to get back into the game at any level (despite your own club offering him a trial in the summer).
Like I say it is rewarding coaching kids as long as you aren't in it just for winning (I was going to say that playing for Hartlepool and Notts County has probably prepared you for that... :-) ) and you can make a diference to them. Probably the greatest reward I had in ten years wasn't winning leagues and cups, but hearing that one particularly difficult kid had significantly improved his standard of schoolwork whilst he was playing for me. Just that little bit of discipline that comes with the game, plus the threat from his parents that football was off-limits if his improvement didn't continue, was enough to make him get his head down. From a poor school record to now starting his second year at university, all within six years, is the one thing I have taken away from the game.
Good luck with the coaching and also your time playing - hope the injury isn't too bad.
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"I dont mean this next comment in a bad way but its about your dad. I just got the feeling that on Tuesday night he never really believed his Celtic team could beat Man U. I know that there is a family link to United and your father was very successful. But the whole not being upset or anything really got to me. Perhaps one day your dad wants to be Uniteds next manager? It was if he was star struck and took it all in, a bit like punching above your own weight."
Like i said, its not a criticism, i just think that if you go into a game believing your not going to win, then whats the point in showing up? I actually like Celtic (the fans at the end belting out Youll Never Walk Alone louder than any Manc fan trying to boo it down can only be applauded!).
Surely Gordon was only being a realist? Celtic are not in the same league as Man Utd. Infact any EPL team, Celtic get around £1 million from TV rights while even the worse team in the EPL get £30 million. We cant offer the same wages as Man Utd and we have to work with-in a tight budget from playing in a small league.
The team that Man Utd put on the park on Tuesday cost over £100 million which is above Celtic's total turnover for the year.
You have to ask if it would be worse for Gordon to come out and say we can win this, Infact we will win this while Seeing his team getting played off the park, Would that not have made him look foolish and demoralised his players as well.
Gavin, Let you Dad know that after some years when he wasnt a fan fave he has turned this around and every celtic fan I know is looking forward to seeing him lift the league again at the end of this season
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Hi Gav,
As someone who works in football, I can fully sympathise with what you say when you're out of the team. Fear not, the good times are never far away and you'll soon be slamming one in the top corner!
Cheers,
Matt
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I think I've read all your blogs I've enjoyed them so keep writing.
Although I am now sort of sensible and am picked my own team Norwich City to support-I was dragged up as a Hibee and this was during the 70's when we were second at mostly everything and then even worse followed -were you similarly influenced (!?!)by your father?
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Interesting reading once again Gavin, good blog.
It's refreshing to read the day to day life of a footballer who's not obsessed by an inflated salary, but of someone who has a concept of real life.
Good luck in your recovery from injury.
Can I just ask, have you ever played left back in your career?
It's just because you'd walk into the Celtic side ahead of Lee Naylor if you can tackle, pass, know how to mark your man or run!!
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Gavin,
Have you had a word with your Dad about Paul McGowan yet.?He plays for Celtic's reserves and he is on fire at the moment.
I'm convinced that had he been playing for the Magpies that all those draws would have been wins.
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How can you possibly say you deserved 3 points against brentford. did you not think you got enough luck with the most ridiculous
penelty ever given (not that im biased of course) good luck with the rest of the season. Bitter Bees Fan
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hi gavin,
great blog as always,its really interesting to know how professionals like yourself deal with injuries and how it can effect your everyday life.
My question gavin is,
when you were younger and going through trials with different clubs etc was there any players in particular that you struck up a friendship with that started trials with you? and did he make it to the level you have?
and in regard to the 'brandyrecovery' and 'jdkoke273' comments. posts 35 and 40.
jdkoke273,
i have to disagree with you completely, im a newcastle supporter and have had a season ticket since i was 5 years old when my dad first took me to a game and have never missed a season since and now being 22 i think personally that is a true supporter and also i was born right in the middle of newcastle....funny that. You were born in aberdeen and i suppose it would be sort of acceptable if you supported rangers or celtic because they are the big 2 in your league but the fact that you support a team not even in your country is insane! regardless of the fact your dad watched manchester united on the tv you should support the club nearest to the town you were born...or thats what i was told anyway.
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Hi Gavin
Many thanks for keeping an exiled Australian magpie informed as to the goings on in your trade and down the lane. It wasnt so long that meadow lane was indeed a fortress. Actually come to think of it, it was a long time ago. A very long time ago! But any how looks like Charlie has begun to turn things around, so heres hoping to a great season, and hoping your injury doesnt prevent you from being in the starting eleven for too long.
All the best and keep up the great blog, its read on all four corners of the world.
Upies
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Hi Gav
I'm a physio at Nottingham City Hospital, and have been reading your blog since the beginning. I'm actually a Kiddy Harriers fan, but a mate of mine drags me down Notts whenever he can.
I was just wondering whether you'd had any further insight into your injury?
I was also interested in the post above about Sacro-iliac involvement in hamstring injuries. Not a common occurence, especially in men where the SI joints tends to fuse. What did your club physio make of it?
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