Smells like team spirit?

[Spurger King]

Ok, first off, apologies for the dodgy thread title (what can I say..Nirvana were the best!), but does anyone think that Redknapp has focused in on the spirit/atmosphere in the team as the key factor for possible success?

Obviously he wants to try and bring in great players, but for me he seems to be re-building the good vibe within the club..and I believe his signings represent this.

Defoe was a popular character in the dressing-room, and Keane was well known as a vocal force. Both were among his first signings. I understand that ability and availability were a massive factor too, but at the time it seemed like a genuine attempt to rebuild the team spirit so skilfully ripped apart by Ramos and co.

Chimbonda was taken back into the fold, and whilst he offered a decent bit of cover for CB/RB positions, maybe he was also a well-liked figure within the squad :shrug:

I expect this post to be torn to shreads for various reasons, but not being close to the squad, or having any insight into how they all get on, this is how I see it as possibly being the case...I read that Ramos wanted to break up a clique that had emerged within the club, a clique which apparently included Lennon, Chimbonda, Defoe, King and a few others..

Redknapp has brought in players that many others have spoken about their positive character..palacios being one (I remember Les Ferdinand talking about how it would be great to bring in such a personality, prior to signing him), and Crouch (a player supposedly respected for his positive attitude and influence within the squads he's featured in). And Bassong? Well I admit I know little about him other than an article I read where he was apparently disgusted at the indifferent attitude of his Nocastle team-mates after getting relegated, and that he made an effort to sign autographs and meet the fans, even after being sent off.

Maybe I'm being incredibly naive (wouldn't be the first time :roll, but these players seem to have a value that extends well beyond the confinds of the pitch.

Even Bellamy (and trust me, I'm finding it very difficult to say anything positive about that talented but regrettable fool) was championed by redknapp as a "winner" and being exactly the sort of player we needed.

So do you think 'Arry is trying to assemble a crew of "characters" that will fight for each other? His attitude towards the apparent prima donnas in the squad suggests to me that he might well do.

 

[kcmei]

Agree with you mostly SK. We dont want a whole team of zombies . Things going on off the pitch has a major effect on one's performance. Take newcastle for example, a classic epic fail in team spirit. Player like defoe and crouch flourish under redknapp because they feel wanted and harry believes in them and in turn they will believe in their ability own aswell.

In order to make it in football at this level I think all players should have the physical ability. In most cases the difference between winning and losing can just be separated by an extra yard or second (agreeing with mourinho) and metality plays a vital part in achieving that. If every player in our team can be as sharp as defoe I think we can win the league.

 

[Rackybear]

Hmmm...whopper :drool:

 

[Spurger King]

Agree with you mostly SK. We dont want a whole team of zombies . Things going on off the pitch has a major effect on one's performance.

There really is no rashional reason why I'm still up. I guess it's my own personal protest against nature...anyway! I'm thinking of Bentley here as well. Off-field issues apparently...but well liked by all accounts within the squad as well (supposedly).

I'm just suggesting that part of Redknapp's ethos is to bring in characters into the dressing-room...build up some camaraderie.

I'll never forget the time Jol and the rest let King run out onto the pitch at the beginning of a game..on his lonesome! Cameras cut to Defoe and others pissing themselves. Good team spirit...good results?

Yeah I know this is all a bit ridiculous, and that the players could all hate each other and still win the lot, but hey! I still remember the Wimbledon Crazy gang..and the whole being far greater than the sum of its parts.