Match Preparation: Getting your mind on the match - You’re like a coiled spring I normally go and get a bit of strapping on my left foot before a game, get a bit of a stretch-off from one of the masseurs, always drink something, then I’ll come back to the dressing room where I always used to play two-touch with Scholesy (high level we are talking) - I need a new partner now! Sometimes Nani tries to get involved, but he’s not at the standard we were at! Then we’ll just limber up, get your mind focused on who you are playing against individually and get ready to go out. Normally the music is playing and it’s a good atmosphere. I used to be DJ in the dressing room (from 80s pop up to current hip-hop, house & garage) but after a few years I got bored and relinquished my duties and passed on to Pat...he does a good job (not in my league yet but a good job I must say). But, there are one or two of the young guys talking about taking the DJ duties off Pat as they havent been happy with some of the selections in the last few months! When you’ve been here for so long it just becomes second nature - you walk out, and every game there’s an element of… not nervousness exactly, but you’re like a bit of a coiled spring, you’re just ready to get out there and do your stuff. You want the clock to tick as fast as possible so you can do your thing. Running out and seeing the fans in the Stretford End to your left, you recognise the history. There are always the good banners hanging above you, and I’ve been fortunate enough to have scored there, of course. If I hadn’t scored at the Stretford End in my United career, I’d have been devastated. So I’m pleased to have done that. Smell, feel, hear the history as you leave the tunnel and enter the pitch...... A thing of beauty!
Posted on: Sun, 08 Sep 2013 14:30:44 +0000