Valuable Lesson Learned?

By Neil Ravenscroft
September 14 2004

Judging by the tone of his interview given in today's Express and Star, it looks as if Paul Merson may have learned a valuable lesson.

One of Paul Merson's problems in the job so far has been to do with some of his statements in the Press. He gives the impression sometimes that he "shoots from the hip", without thinking too much about it. His comments about us winning the Championship and not wanting to swop any of his players for any others in the League certainly fall into this category, as all they have done is serve to crank up the pressure on the Manager to succeed.

One of his statements I had the most problems with was onr efter a heavy defeat, when he said that there was no point in working on the defence in training, as they could practice for hours without it making any difference. This, especially for someone who played under George Graham, is palpable nonsense.

Contrast that then with his interview today:-

Merson is promising more changes for the visit to Saltergate and his players are in for a week of intensive work aimed at shoring up their leaky defence.
The revamp could mean changes to personnel and formation, although the manager is keeping the details of the planned reshuffle close to his chest.

"It's up to me to make sure we are solid on Saturday and that's what I'm going to do," he said. "Things will be different and we'll be working hard on the training ground to make sure it is tighter. It's my job to make sure we get it right and that's what I will do. I might never get another go in management if we don't get this right, but I am certain I will get it right."

This changed tone is far more what I wanted to hear from him. What he should have done from the start is recognise that he would make mistakes and that these would need to be worked on. He is right, in my opinion, that his only priority this season is promotion, but that means that his first task is to keep us in touch with the promotion and play off spots until Christmas (although, if we do better, all well and good) and then make the push, and not to go around making rash promises that we'll win the Championship and winding up expectations.

This is far more the Paul Merson I wanted to see, so now let's see him deliver. Chesterfield on Saturday would be a nice time to start.