We can win it

Last updated : 04 July 2004 By Desmond Johnson

Man management will be essential, just like Big Sam superlatively handled some of his players in the Championship season of 98.

And Mills seems to have similar credentials to that of Big Sam. He has got rid of all the boastful team members last season, and has made it clear that he is the boss.


Best manager in recent years
Big Sam
There are two key ingredients to a successful team. A team with ability and determination, and a good manager. We appear to have both of these now.


Determination is much more important than ability. You must of course have ability but what use is it if you are not going to use it? That was the problem in 2001/02. On paper, we had one of the best sides up there with Wigan (who also failed to achieve that season) and Reading.

But the problem was the prima donnas never put enough effort in, they certainly had the ability but they didn’t want it enough.


Look at Mr Caskey, where is he now? I’m sure he is regretting not making the most of it at our club. He has been caught out and, despite enormous ability, the work rate was hit-and-miss.


This season however, the manager appears to have brought in the ability, but do we have the determination this season, like we did in 98? Judging by most performances under Mills last season, he will not accept anything but 100%.