Twentyman Talks Back: 8 April 2009

By Geoff Twentyman
BBC Bristol

There is no such thing as a meaningless game - ask any fan

Managers say informing a youth trainee that he is not being given a professional contract is one of the toughest things in football.

Seeing a 16-year-old digesting that his career hopes and dreams have disintegrated must be tough.

The last week or so has highlighted another demanding scenario that football managers have to deal with.

The season is drawing to a close and there is nothing to play for.

You hear the manager in the build up to the game promising "commitment, passion and a performance."

As a fan you turn up, pay your hard-earned cash but all too often see a lacklustre performance that is low on passion, poor on quality and generally disappointing.

In recent years Bristol has had some really exciting climaxes to the football season.

2006/07 - Bristol City were promoted to the Championship and Bristol Rovers were promoted to League One via the play-off final at Wembley.

2007-08 - Bristol City reached the play-off final at Wembley.

This time around the campaign has petered out for Rovers and City have absolutely no margin for error if they are going to make the play-offs.

There is only so much the manager can do. Essentially it is very much up to the players to deliver a performance.

Geoff Twentyman, BBC Bristol

So what can the manager do to ensure his players continue to give their all regardless of their league position?

Competition for places is one tactic they can use.

Players need to be aware that they are fighting for their futures, regardless of whether they are under contract or not.

Managers must tinker with their squad every close season which brings added competition for places but also freshens things up and gives the players who remain at the club a boost.

There is only so much the manager can do because it is up to the players to deliver and they must remain aware that they are playing for their futures regardless of how long is left on their contract.

The players must always retain a sense of responsibility and pride for their shirt they wear and as importantly for the fans who pay their money to watch them in action.

I firmly believe you take your end-of-season form into the next campaign so there is no such thing as a meaningless game.

Geoff presents the Twentyman Talks Back football phone-in at 1900 GMT on Fridays on BBC Radio Bristol and BBC Radio Somerset. If you missed the latest programme, listen to it now.