So in my job I spend a lot of time on the road. This means I get to digest a lot of Talksport, which has in one mans humble opinions, one of the best rosters of hosts, delivering insights and discussion points. The banter ain't bad either.
One such chat that has stuck with me was a very good discussion on the Colin Murray show, regarding psychology of fans . Take the example of the Blackburn fan vs that of a Bolton fan.
One such chat that has stuck with me was a very good discussion on the Colin Murray show, regarding psychology of fans . Take the example of the Blackburn fan vs that of a Bolton fan.
We start with Bolton - formerly Premiership quality, attracting talent like Jay-Jay Okocha, Nicolas Anelka and Youri Djorkaeff. Recently the business side of Bolton went tits up. Fans having a bad time, team can't get together and push to save themselves from relegation. New season - Dean Holdsworth and his consortium take over and although in a lower league, the team seem to be playing with a new enthusiasm and hold the only perfect start in the Football League (W3 D0 L0).
Now consider the Blackburn fans - still at odds with the owners, lots of negativity from the fans - bottom of the Championship, scored twice in 3 games and conceded 9! This is a former Premiership winning team, that are getting worse and worse.
The point is, the positive and negative effect on a player or a team from an external source can seem to be a major factor on success.
Another example - Daniel Sturridge. When he's not made of glass, he played, unsuccessfully, for Man City and Chelsea before finding a positive dressing room for his needs. Starts for Liverpool and becomes very, very good.
Now consider the Blackburn fans - still at odds with the owners, lots of negativity from the fans - bottom of the Championship, scored twice in 3 games and conceded 9! This is a former Premiership winning team, that are getting worse and worse.
The point is, the positive and negative effect on a player or a team from an external source can seem to be a major factor on success.
Another example - Daniel Sturridge. When he's not made of glass, he played, unsuccessfully, for Man City and Chelsea before finding a positive dressing room for his needs. Starts for Liverpool and becomes very, very good.
So with this thinking, we make our selections based on positive and negative teams:
Sheff Weds (vs Leeds) - Sheff Weds are considered a top 6 team for the league by many and should come good despite a slow start (4 points from 9). Leeds are struggling with the madness of Cellino's reign and have managed 1 point from 3, playing at home to Fulham. They're conceding an average of 2 goals a game at the moment.
Burton (vs Blackburn) - Burton are banging the goals in, having scored 7 in 3 games. Unfortunately, they've been on the wrong end of the scoreline and only won once. Blackburn as we explained, are a mess.
Brighton (vs Reading) - Brighton again are strong, having scored 6 with no reply in 3 games. They were on the verge of promotion last year and started really well. Reading have a new manager, number of new players and fans not particularly happy with how things are going.
Northampton (vs Wimbeldon) - Northampton, just because. Unbeaten as yet, against Wimbeldon who are bottom of the league after 3 difficult games.
Bolton (vs Fleetwood) - Bolton are flying again, Fleetwood are unbeaten, but haven't had the most difficult of games so far. Bolton will be a whole new challenge.
Works out around a 50/1 shot for the 5!
Good luck
MB
Sheff Weds (vs Leeds) - Sheff Weds are considered a top 6 team for the league by many and should come good despite a slow start (4 points from 9). Leeds are struggling with the madness of Cellino's reign and have managed 1 point from 3, playing at home to Fulham. They're conceding an average of 2 goals a game at the moment.
Burton (vs Blackburn) - Burton are banging the goals in, having scored 7 in 3 games. Unfortunately, they've been on the wrong end of the scoreline and only won once. Blackburn as we explained, are a mess.
Brighton (vs Reading) - Brighton again are strong, having scored 6 with no reply in 3 games. They were on the verge of promotion last year and started really well. Reading have a new manager, number of new players and fans not particularly happy with how things are going.
Northampton (vs Wimbeldon) - Northampton, just because. Unbeaten as yet, against Wimbeldon who are bottom of the league after 3 difficult games.
Bolton (vs Fleetwood) - Bolton are flying again, Fleetwood are unbeaten, but haven't had the most difficult of games so far. Bolton will be a whole new challenge.
Works out around a 50/1 shot for the 5!
Good luck
MB