Matty Peet
Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2022 11:32 am
I must confess to being in the camp that was scratching my head when he was appointed, but I have been delighted and astonished by how well he has stepped up. He seems to have extraordinary qualities, and I am beginning to wonder whether he could go on to be an absolutely elite level coach. Taking some of his qualities in turn:
- his communication skills are off the scale. When I got back from Tottenham, I watched the game again and then started watching the after match stuff: normally, I ditch it, but I was struck by his interview, in which he showed himself to be measured and humble. He is so impressive a speaker that even non Wigan fans (poor souls) warm to him, which is some feat;
- his bond with the team is clear: after he had finished with the BBC, a model pro immaculately dressed, we saw him go into the changing room. The sound was off, but you could see everyone was hanging on his every word as he addressed them. No fidgeting, no playing up, just completely buying into his words. That level of respect is rare in any leader. When he was finished, he then enthusiastically took part in the singing, while the whole group formed a circle. He’s the boss when he needs to be, and one of the gang when he can be; and
- his style of play is a wonder to behold. I must confess to having been frustrated for a long time that we didn’t play a more traditional big forwards going toe to toe, to free up backs given free rein. This year he has delivered. Last year, in comparison, even the good days were bad. I will support our club for so long as I am on this earth, but sometimes it has been a struggle. Now, I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us. With largely the same players. I would particularly focus on Field - he has unlocked so much potential, and coached him to perfection.
Honestly, we can lose our next game 60 nil, and this year will still be a triumph. And the beauty of it is that what he does he can do again and again for us. We are lucky to have him.
- his communication skills are off the scale. When I got back from Tottenham, I watched the game again and then started watching the after match stuff: normally, I ditch it, but I was struck by his interview, in which he showed himself to be measured and humble. He is so impressive a speaker that even non Wigan fans (poor souls) warm to him, which is some feat;
- his bond with the team is clear: after he had finished with the BBC, a model pro immaculately dressed, we saw him go into the changing room. The sound was off, but you could see everyone was hanging on his every word as he addressed them. No fidgeting, no playing up, just completely buying into his words. That level of respect is rare in any leader. When he was finished, he then enthusiastically took part in the singing, while the whole group formed a circle. He’s the boss when he needs to be, and one of the gang when he can be; and
- his style of play is a wonder to behold. I must confess to having been frustrated for a long time that we didn’t play a more traditional big forwards going toe to toe, to free up backs given free rein. This year he has delivered. Last year, in comparison, even the good days were bad. I will support our club for so long as I am on this earth, but sometimes it has been a struggle. Now, I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us. With largely the same players. I would particularly focus on Field - he has unlocked so much potential, and coached him to perfection.
Honestly, we can lose our next game 60 nil, and this year will still be a triumph. And the beauty of it is that what he does he can do again and again for us. We are lucky to have him.
