Mentality

[swain_drfc]

Got to give it to this group! Plenty of us on here, me included, questioned the mentality of the group of players last year and rightly so in many cases but this group continue to show their strong mentality more and more every week.
It could have been very easy for them to roll over and just accept that today was not going to be our day after the 3 injuries at the back, but what character they showed to not only dig in but to go on an win the game from behind! So impressive and really exciting to see where this strong mentality can take us for the rest of the season.

What a start 

[RobTheRover]

Got to give it to this group! Plenty of us on here, me included, questioned the mentality of the group of players last year and rightly so in many cases but this group continue to show their strong mentality more and more every week.
It could have been very easy for them to roll over and just accept that today was not going to be our day after the 3 injuries at the back, but what character they showed to not only dig in but to go on an win the game from behind! So impressive and really exciting to see where this strong mentality can take us for the rest of the season.

What a start 

Absolutely spot on. We have a mental toughness and belief that was just completely bereft last season.

[Alan Southstand]

This is what happens when you sign experienced players! Young loanees are ok and have their place, but you simply can’t substitute the know-how of Tomlin, Clayton and Rowe, not to mention Anderson (I hope he’s ok).

[Campsall rover]

Got to give it to this group! Plenty of us on here, me included, questioned the mentality of the group of players last year and rightly so in many cases but this group continue to show their strong mentality more and more every week.
It could have been very easy for them to roll over and just accept that today was not going to be our day after the 3 injuries at the back, but what character they showed to not only dig in but to go on an win the game from behind! So impressive and really exciting to see where this strong mentality can take us for the rest of the season.

What a start 

It will take us to promotion. I don’t think we have seen anywhere near the best that this team is capable of producing as yet.
To have 11 points from 5 games and only at about 65% of what we can be then the top 3 beckons.

Yes very early days and I am not going to get carried away but injuries permitting I think we are well capable of winning this league.

[PDX_Rover]

Agreed. We look ‘together.’ Steve Eyre talks a lot about culture in the latest Red and White show and you can see it in abundance. The experienced heads are bossing games and the younger lads do not look out of place.

A team utterly transformed.

It’s great to experience

[DonnyBazR0ver]

You're right Alan but two more players came of age today.

Kyle Hurst and Bobby Faulkner. Hurst in one game went from looking like a little boy lost to finding something within him to come up with two very important goals. The second being a great finish. He took inspiration from the older heads who all led by example. Let's hope that does him the world of good.

Bobby Faulkener. Just seeing him up against Matt Smith, being outsized by a mile but having that belief that he wasn't going to be bullied by a big turd. He put every ounce into that game making some great blocks and clearances.

I don't often stay around very long after full time but both of them were deserving of every clap they got from the crowd and the hugs they got from the more experienced players who knew how big their performances were.

As awful as we were, that's one of the best performances in the face of adversity I've seen. Totally absorbing and appreciating how they found a way to win a game of football.

Every one of them dug deep for the cause using every bit of intelligence to manage the game. The crowd love it and want more.

[RoversAlias]

I've liked Hurst so far, I dont think he's looked lost at all. To say these are his first professional games, he has looked unfazed and has close technical ability. Today he has found the end product to go with it, looks like a bit of a gem found by McSheffrey.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

I've liked Hurst so far, I dont think he's looked lost at all. To say these are his first professional games, he has looked unfazed and has close technical ability. Today he has found the end product to go with it, looks like a bit of a gem found by McSheffrey.

I've no doubt in his ability but what I meant is today, like GM said, one of many looking like rabbits in headlights to finding that inner belief. He's definitely shown he can produce now.

[Bessie Red]

This is what happens when you sign experienced players! Young loanees are ok and have their place, but you simply can’t substitute the know-how of Tomlin, Clayton and Rowe, not to mention Anderson (I hope he’s ok).

Totally agree, but I think just the fact that the whole 1st team squad bar 1 are on permanent contracts makes a big difference. The players are now having to show a committment to the cause which can be be absent when 50% of the team are made up of loanees.

[Lesonthewest]

That was a performance full of togetherness, bottle, & game management. They were better than us football wise, although our performance has improved, but the players deserve massive credit, firstly for coming from behind, & for seeing the game out.

[Bessie Red]

You're right Alan but two more players came of age today.

Kyle Hurst and Bobby Faulkner. Hurst in one game went from looking like a little boy lost to finding something within him to come up with two very important goals. The second being a great finish. He took inspiration from the older heads who all led by example. Let's hope that does him the world of good.

Bobby Faulkener. Just seeing him up against Matt Smith, being outsized by a mile but having that belief that he wasn't going to be bullied by a big turd. He put every ounce into that game making some great blocks and clearances.

I don't often stay around very long after full time but both of them were deserving of every clap they got from the crowd and the hugs they got from the more experienced players who knew how big their performances were.

As awful as we were, that's one of the best performances in the face of adversity I've seen. Totally absorbing and appreciating how they found a way to win a game of football.

Every one of them dug deep for the cause using every bit of intelligence to manage the game. The crowd love it and want more.

Agree with most of this DBR but I wouldnt say we were awful today. The first 25-30mins we were poor but after that we were equal if not better than them. We cane under the cosh after going 2-1 up but that was to be expected , however I thought we handled the pressure very well, with all 11 staying disciplined and organised and although we got lucky with the shot that hit the post they didnt really tear us apart in that period. Great win!

[drfchound]

I can’t recall ever seeing a game where a team had to sub four injured defenders (if Maxwell was injured of course).

[scawsby steve]

I can’t recall ever seeing a game where a team had to sub four injured defenders (if Maxwell was injured of course).

I don't think he was, mate. I could be wrong, but I think it was tactical.

[sedwardsdrfc]

My hopes for this team is they can become like the L1 Champion team with Saunders etc but play a bit better football.

GMc i think wants us to play nice football (sometimes it doesn't look like it tbf) but we have that basic but hard to find toughness to just keep going. Whether it's to the final whistle or in the face of difficult situations (10 men, 4 injured defenders).

I know we're a league lower but if we can become a version of that team who are a bit more attractive on the eye we'll be in for a very good season. Not to mention that team had no resale value this one has the potential to allow for reinvestment

[drfchound]

I can’t recall ever seeing a game where a team had to sub four injured defenders (if Maxwell was injured of course).

I don't think he was, mate. I could be wrong, but I think it was tactical.

Perhaps it was but I haven’t heard anything about that.

[IDM]

Sounds like it was to me..

[drfchound]

Agreed IDM, now I have listened to McSheffs interview.

[Sammy Chung was King]

He’s paid to make the big calls and he got it spot on.

[Copps is Magic]

For me it was physicality rather than mentality that won it yesterday. Their goal, for example, the left-back has a chance to clatter into their player for the header but goes in half-hearted (a foul in that position would not have been terrible), then Williams could go to ground to block the next challenge but chooses to try and nick it away. I thought after around 30 minutes we started to get half a yard closer to them and started to win a lot more 2nd balls. This was necessary because we were playing quite a few long balls and losing it instantly in the first 30 minutes.

[adamtherover]

Back to back win for the first time in forever, 3 home wins at the start of the season,. Already 2 come from behind wins..  is there any more stats GM can smash this season?

[Alan Southstand]

Just listened to Eddie Howe on MOTD saying “you have to get the mentality right first”, when asked about Newcastle’s progress.

I think we might be on to something…..

[roversdude]

You can add GMC’s mentality into that too - the (unwarranted) flack he took on here was shocking.
The way him, Copps and SE have pulled everyone together is brilliant - I also think that Clayton has played a big part behind the scenes as well as on the pitch

[Panda]

I'm not quite sure that some of the flak towards McSheffrey on here was unwarranted.

I still have some doubts about McSheffrey and the manner of some of our performances this season have been a real concern despite the results.Sutton in particular which was a throwback to pretty much every home game last season and the Lincoln game was an absolute shocker and in a similar vein.

We also still do not know how to start games with authority and cannot continue to keep giving the opposition the first 30 minutes of games at the Eco Power, which has become the norm. Up to now we have been getting away with it. I'd like us for once come out with aggression and take the game to the opposition for a change.

I also get frustrated by McSheffreys late substitutions, often made in response to conceding rather than a proactive change to try and win a game and this needs addressing. I don't think Gary learns very quickly and continues to make similar errors but he's still a novice i guess and we'll know much more about his real ability as this season progresses.

However, the turnaround in attitude, mentality and work rate with this group of players and from the new signings, which to McSheffreys credit he signed has been remarkable when compared to last season. It is not easy to bed in a lot of new players and this must be factored in.

The jury is out on Andrews and to be fair, we've never played to his strengths and i still feel Knoyle is a serious weak link and Griffiths is a player we haven't missed, but overall i feel we now have a squad fighting for each other and actually putting a shift in and we have options, especially in attacking areas.

Overall though i do see a lot of positives and some real improvements from last season and feel that we are now stabilizing and the season ahead looks promising. I am at least beginning to get some form of enjoyment from watching Rovers games again which was all but knocked out of me last season.

[DearneValleyRover]

I'm not quite sure that some of the flak towards McSheffrey on here was unwarranted.

I still have some doubts about McSheffrey and the manner of some of our performances this season have been a real concern despite the results.Sutton in particular which was a throwback to pretty much every home game last season and the Lincoln game was an absolute shocker and in a similar vein.

We also still do not know how to start games with authority and cannot continue to keep giving the opposition the first 30 minutes of games at the Eco Power, which has become the norm. Up to now we have been getting away with it. I'd like us for once come out with aggression and take the game to the opposition for a change.

I also get frustrated by McSheffreys late substitutions, often made in response to conceding rather than a proactive change to try and win a game and this needs addressing. I don't think Gary learns very quickly and continues to make similar errors but he's still a novice i guess and we'll know much more about his real ability as this season progresses.

However, the turnaround in attitude, mentality and work rate with this group of players and from the new signings, which to McSheffreys credit he signed has been remarkable when compared to last season. It is not easy to bed in a lot of new players and this must be factored in.

The jury is out on Andrews and to be fair, we've never played to his strengths and i still feel Knoyle is a serious weak link and Griffiths is a player we haven't missed, but overall i feel we now have a squad fighting for each other and actually putting a shift in and we have options, especially in attacking areas.

Overall though i do see a lot of positives and some real improvements from last season and feel that we are now stabilizing and the season ahead looks promising. I am at least beginning to get some form of enjoyment from watching Rovers games again which was all but knocked out of me last season.

Well that’s a post full of contradictions

[Chris the Rover]

From what I’ve seen so far this season we have the mentality of a title winning team - injuries permitting. Never say die attitude and winning games that a year ago we would have lost heavily. Wait until everything clicks into gear.

[Panda]

I'm not quite sure that some of the flak towards McSheffrey on here was unwarranted.

I still have some doubts about McSheffrey and the manner of some of our performances this season have been a real concern despite the results.Sutton in particular which was a throwback to pretty much every home game last season and the Lincoln game was an absolute shocker and in a similar vein.

We also still do not know how to start games with authority and cannot continue to keep giving the opposition the first 30 minutes of games at the Eco Power, which has become the norm. Up to now we have been getting away with it. I'd like us for once come out with aggression and take the game to the opposition for a change.

I also get frustrated by McSheffreys late substitutions, often made in response to conceding rather than a proactive change to try and win a game and this needs addressing. I don't think Gary learns very quickly and continues to make similar errors but he's still a novice i guess and we'll know much more about his real ability as this season progresses.

However, the turnaround in attitude, mentality and work rate with this group of players and from the new signings, which to McSheffreys credit he signed has been remarkable when compared to last season. It is not easy to bed in a lot of new players and this must be factored in.

The jury is out on Andrews and to be fair, we've never played to his strengths and i still feel Knoyle is a serious weak link and Griffiths is a player we haven't missed, but overall i feel we now have a squad fighting for each other and actually putting a shift in and we have options, especially in attacking areas.

Overall though i do see a lot of positives and some real improvements from last season and feel that we are now stabilizing and the season ahead looks promising. I am at least beginning to get some form of enjoyment from watching Rovers games again which was all but knocked out of me last season.

Well that’s a post full of contradictions

Not really. Just highlighting areas in which we needed to improve and have and areas in which we still need to improve and haven't.

[danumdon]

From what I’ve seen so far this season we have the mentality of a title winning team - injuries permitting. Never say die attitude and winning games that a year ago we would have lost heavily. Wait until everything clicks into gear.

Agreed, this is a new team with an hardened mentality to play to the end and dig in when its tough. The Salford game was a good example. They came straight out of the blocks, with some good football built on some decent progression and momentum from last year. This was the type of side last season we would of folded to at the first turn and ended up on the end of a serious beating.

What's changed, seems like a large amount of work has gone on behind the scenes, getting the right players, making sure they are all on the same wavelength and instilling a determination and belief that is just not in the same stratosphere to last season.The management team have pulled this squad together quickly and it looks like the players have been brought through with the self belief. This augers very well for when we really start to form and develop our team play and strategy, the potential in the present squad is massive, if you take what we have done so far, add in some returning strength to keep competition high and start to hit games hard from the start then the results can be even better.

When we get this right i'm thinking someone will get a good seeing to. No reason for it not to be Northampton on sat, i get the impression that the general consensus from the "one's in the know" is that we have been lucky in our results so far. Don't believe it, our potential is based on grit, determination and hard yakka.

[ncRover]

100%

Also, I’m beginning to think Birmingham got Hurst’s and Andrews’ paperwork mixed up!

[danumdon]

100%

Also, I’m beginning to think Birmingham got Hurst’s and Andrews’ paperwork mixed up!

Shuss, if we don't say anything we may just get away with it. Hope they forgot to write in a transfer clause.

[ForsolongaRover]

I'm not quite sure that some of the flak towards McSheffrey on here was unwarranted.

I still have some doubts about McSheffrey and the manner of some of our performances this season have been a real concern despite the results.Sutton in particular which was a throwback to pretty much every home game last season and the Lincoln game was an absolute shocker and in a similar vein.

We also still do not know how to start games with authority and cannot continue to keep giving the opposition the first 30 minutes of games at the Eco Power, which has become the norm. Up to now we have been getting away with it. I'd like us for once come out with aggression and take the game to the opposition for a change.

I also get frustrated by McSheffreys late substitutions, often made in response to conceding rather than a proactive change to try and win a game and this needs addressing. I don't think Gary learns very quickly and continues to make similar errors but he's still a novice i guess and we'll know much more about his real ability as this season progresses.

However, the turnaround in attitude, mentality and work rate with this group of players and from the new signings, which to McSheffreys credit he signed has been remarkable when compared to last season. It is not easy to bed in a lot of new players and this must be factored in.

The jury is out on Andrews and to be fair, we've never played to his strengths and i still feel Knoyle is a serious weak link and Griffiths is a player we haven't missed, but overall i feel we now have a squad fighting for each other and actually putting a shift in and we have options, especially in attacking areas.

Overall though i do see a lot of positives and some real improvements from last season and feel that we are now stabilizing and the season ahead looks promising. I am at least beginning to get some form of enjoyment from watching Rovers games again which was all but knocked out of me last season.

Well that’s a post full of contradictions

The subject is “Mentality” and this itself is surely a complicated and often contradictory state of mind!