I wish this article was available to everyone rather than hidden on the eye of the tiger section on the RFC site.
I think it's a great assessment of the situation we're in and I'd love to be able to copy it on here.
I'll just include a few snippets, though they don't really do the article justice.
MILLER'S MOUTHPIECE
Tigers need tough people for tough times
By Richmond’s Director of Football, Greg Miller
.....I have to admit that I’ve never seen a playing group so far down in confidence as our players are right now. This loss of confidence leads to poor decision-making, poor execution of skills, as well as a lack of aggression and enthusiasm......
.....There have been signs in the last couple of weeks of an endeavor to play a more direct, run-on style of football, but it appears to last for only a short period before the opposition lift the pressure and we, unfortunately, are unable to respond....
...Confidence is an amazing thing. With it, you can achieve great success. At the moment, however, a distinct lack of it is spread throughout several key players in our group. These are the players who have admirable character and we’ve seen perform superb acts of courage and display such talent for this Club over many years.......
.......To be fair, we should be a little less critical of two of our main players in Darren Gaspar and Mark Coughlan, who it’s evident are both not at their full peak of physical condition. Mark, as was reported early this week, has been carrying a nagging groin injury which has restricted him. ‘Cogs’ is such an intense person and a fierce competitor, so his inability to perform at the high standards he sets for himself because of the injury problem, has affected his confidence. It’s now been decided that he’s going to be rested for a while.
Darren, due to his total knee reconstruction about 10 months ago, has temporarily lost that initial yard of pace which ensures he is alongside his opponent and he’s also lost his jump. But he won’t put his hand up for a rest – he wants to keep playing and says he’s okay. The truth of the matter, however, is that he also is playing with some restriction and the tasks we have set him have been beyond his current physical capabilities........
....Tiger fans also have a part to play by staying confident in the direction the Club is taking and continuing to offer the loyal, passionate support which they are renowned for.....
...In closing, I would just like to urge all our members to hang in there. I know it’s a tough time right now, but your support and encouragement is vital to us . . .
Read the full article at http://210.50.4.102/rfc/Page_UI.asp?cc=10777035&pageID=168&SM_ID=57
I think it's a great assessment of the situation we're in and I'd love to be able to copy it on here.
I'll just include a few snippets, though they don't really do the article justice.
MILLER'S MOUTHPIECE
Tigers need tough people for tough times
By Richmond’s Director of Football, Greg Miller
.....I have to admit that I’ve never seen a playing group so far down in confidence as our players are right now. This loss of confidence leads to poor decision-making, poor execution of skills, as well as a lack of aggression and enthusiasm......
.....There have been signs in the last couple of weeks of an endeavor to play a more direct, run-on style of football, but it appears to last for only a short period before the opposition lift the pressure and we, unfortunately, are unable to respond....
...Confidence is an amazing thing. With it, you can achieve great success. At the moment, however, a distinct lack of it is spread throughout several key players in our group. These are the players who have admirable character and we’ve seen perform superb acts of courage and display such talent for this Club over many years.......
.......To be fair, we should be a little less critical of two of our main players in Darren Gaspar and Mark Coughlan, who it’s evident are both not at their full peak of physical condition. Mark, as was reported early this week, has been carrying a nagging groin injury which has restricted him. ‘Cogs’ is such an intense person and a fierce competitor, so his inability to perform at the high standards he sets for himself because of the injury problem, has affected his confidence. It’s now been decided that he’s going to be rested for a while.
Darren, due to his total knee reconstruction about 10 months ago, has temporarily lost that initial yard of pace which ensures he is alongside his opponent and he’s also lost his jump. But he won’t put his hand up for a rest – he wants to keep playing and says he’s okay. The truth of the matter, however, is that he also is playing with some restriction and the tasks we have set him have been beyond his current physical capabilities........
....Tiger fans also have a part to play by staying confident in the direction the Club is taking and continuing to offer the loyal, passionate support which they are renowned for.....
...In closing, I would just like to urge all our members to hang in there. I know it’s a tough time right now, but your support and encouragement is vital to us . . .
Read the full article at http://210.50.4.102/rfc/Page_UI.asp?cc=10777035&pageID=168&SM_ID=57
