The Players have greatness in their grasp

[ted1965]

As I was sat thinking about Saturday and hoping that the players put in the kind of performance we’ll all remember for years to come and within three games we are all partying like there’s no tomorrow because those same players have completed their remarkable season and gained automatic promotion.

Though as much as we can help by creating the kind of atmosphere that‘s almost worth a gaol start, it’s now down to them, they are the only ones who can actually get out there on the pitch and win. I was thinking when I first supported the club the players and those in general at most clubs were far more approachable then today, they were local lads who had stood on the terraces and therefore knew the passion, knew what it meant to the fans to win on a Saturday. How down everyone gets when the result isn’t in our favour or a performance not acceptable to those who kick and head every ball with them. Though they knew win, lose or draw those same people would never lose that desire or passion for the club.

They knew many of those who were cheering them on, they appreciated the good fortune they were bestowed with to be the supporters representatives on the field. It didn’t necessarily make them better players but somehow they felt part of you, they were like the cousin you may only meet at weddings or funerals, you may not know them very well but they are still family. How many didn’t believe they knew each player, whether you saw them out shopping, in a pub or just from their endeavours for you and people just like you every game.

Though today players in most clubs are not accessible in the same way to supporters for many reasons, the huge differences in most cases with money being earned. The lack of local players and the influx of so many foreigners.

While many believe the game is better for it, it has lost for many clubs that special connection between supporters and the people they are cheering every week. I do wonder at times whether some players actually understand just how lucky they are to be doing something for such rewards that on Saturday some 20,000 plus within the ground and thousands of more throughout the area and in fact the world would do for virtually nothing.

We play the games vicariously through them, they are our bond with the club and they represent us in good and bad times. This has been one of those good times, they have been few and far between if we’re honest over the last 23 years. So this set of players have real greatness in their grasp. I would have given anything just to once wear those red and white stripes and run out onto the field and represent the adoring masses who have waited so long for some real excitement to send their heartbeats into overdrive.

So now we have reached that moment, when only 100% will do, there’s no room for any player who simply can’t appreciate their good fortune to be representing those who would love to play, those who would sweat blood for the cause, who would run through brick walls to see the club promoted.

Well we don’t have that opportunity, the players do and we will do everything in our power to give them that backing and all we ask in return is everything you have to give.

We will forgive a lack of ability, we will forgive defeat if every ounce of effort has been made to achieve that victory. We understand every player has a differing amount of ability and therefore expectation of what he can achieve, though we expect all players to show a will to win, a desire to give their all to put themselves into the hall of fame with such greats as Sir Stan, Big John, Banks, Dennis Smith, Conroy, Hudson, Jimmy Greenhoff and every other player that pulled those famous stripes on in the search for ever lasting fame and glory.

They shouldn’t need motivation in reality, the rewards both financially and professionally should be more than enough to drive them to give every last ounce for this club.

What people wont forgive is anyone they perceive to be holding back on their effort, not making that extra attempt to get the ball when it seems lost. Those who look for someone else to blame for their own failings this is a collective journey we are all in it together.

They are privileged to be our representatives and we don’t expect miracles but we do expect maximum effort from those who we consider very own special heroes.

[luke45]

Another Excellent Post Ted, have some karma.

[salopstick]

ted are you pottermouth

[bossthemidfield]

couldn’t have put it better, have some karma.

all we want is 100%, nothing less, nothing more...

every Stokie to a man would give everything for this club on the pitch, thats all we expect.

[ted1965]

No mate sadly I am not Pottermouth, he is indeed a special individual who has captured the imagination of a club and it's supporters and not enough karma on here to give the man.

They should make him the official club cheerleader and poet, not many clubs have that position and not many could inspire like he has.