Twentyman Talks Back

By Geoff Twentyman
BBC Bristol

Will Hoskins was signed from Watford

When I was enjoying some decent form for Preston North End the then assistant manager Brian Kidd asked me if I knew why it was going so well.

I naively but honestly told him I did not know why it was. He said something along the lines of, ''players generally do not know why they are, but just keep it going.''

It set me thinking about who is playing well this season and if they actually know why. Will Hoskins and Byron Anthony have excelled for Rovers. Albert Adomah has been City's best player.

Preparation, practice and self confidence are key.

These days players are advised on their diet. Footballers are generally given defined instructions as to what to eat and drink. At many clubs, certainly in the top two divisions, players are fed and watered after training. Carbs, fuel, nutrition, re-hydration, fluids are some of the buzzwords these days.

At Bristol City the players pay a contribution for their lunches. It's money well spent as it's all excellent fare prepared by Chris Derrick. How times have changed since I devoured steak and baked beans just three hours before kick-off.

To me preparation is simple. Eat the right things, sleep well and do not abuse alcohol. Footballers can't be angels but need to be dedicated and make significant sacrifices.

Geoff Twentyman, BBC Bristol

Some modern managers use motivational or mind coaches. Getting a good run of form going is an interesting process. Invariably one good game leads to another and so the trend goes. Not everything is in your hands as the opposition or direct opponent has a bearing on things but it's all about winning your individual battle.

To me preparation is simple. Eat the right things, sleep well and do not abuse alcohol. Footballers can't be angels but need to be dedicated and make significant sacrifices.

Practising individual attributes is also key to playing well. Core skills are key to individual improvement.

All too often there is too much emphasis put on coaching goalkeepers. I feel all aspects of the game should be micro-coached.

Too much time is spent on team play as opposed to making the individuals better players.

Time should be found for both individual and collective improvement.

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