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City can learn a lot from van Bronckhorst
7:12am Wednesday 11th June 2008
Comments (107) Have your say »
Stuart McCall says watching Euro 2008 has reinforced his belief that fitness is more paramount than ever in modern-day football.
The City boss reckons his players need look no further than Dutch star Giovanni van Bronckhorst for inspiration ahead of their return to pre-season training.
"The Holland v Italy match was the one game I definitely wanted to watch during the tournament and I really enjoyed it," he said.
"But the main aspect it pressed on me was just how important fitness levels really are. Van Bronckhorst cleared off his own line one second and then the next was in the opposition box setting up a goal.
"It was an amazing passage but it's no surprise looking at the top sides that they seem to be fitter both physically and mentally and that's why they are where they are.
"The energy of the Dutch was wonderful and that's what we want out of our players.
"People may say we've got people like Joe Colbeck and Omar Daley who can break away like that but they need to be able to do it in the last ten minutes as well as the first. Van Brockenhurst just kept going.
"Stats show it's the five minutes prior to half-time and ten minutes before the end that most goals are scored and, interestingly, the same goes for injuries being suffered. It all points towards fitness.
"It's something I've been discussing with Steve Bollen, from Yorkshire Clinic, who might be involved with us in some new things next season."
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Your Say YourBradford
tyker, midland road says...
8:23am Wed 11 Jun 08
I said it throughout last season we conceded too mnay goals prior to half time, just after half time and at the end of the game.
Without checking detail I would hazard a guess that had we not conceded goals in that last 10 minutes of games we would have been promoted automatically or have been thereabouts.
What was enlightening about the Dutch goal of the season was not only a similarity with one scored by Bergkampf for Holland in a world cup a few years ago but the fact that from the break out they has three players attacking within seconds.
Another team to watch is PORTUGAL: when defending corners they leave three maybe four players up the field: that means the attacking team have to defend and there are less bodies in the penalty area making it easier for keepers to do their job.
be innovative with fit players and invariably you will win more than you lose.
tyker, midland road says...
8:23am Wed 11 Jun 08
I said it throughout last season we conceded too mnay goals prior to half time, just after half time and at the end of the game.
Without checking detail I would hazard a guess that had we not conceded goals in that last 10 minutes of games we would have been promoted automatically or have been thereabouts.
What was enlightening about the Dutch goal of the season was not only a similarity with one scored by Bergkampf for Holland in a world cup a few years ago but the fact that from the break out they has three players attacking within seconds.
Another team to watch is PORTUGAL: when defending corners they leave three maybe four players up the field: that means the attacking team have to defend and there are less bodies in the penalty area making it easier for keepers to do their job.
be innovative with fit players and invariably you will win more than you lose.
micksey, wibsey says...
8:25am Wed 11 Jun 08
micksey, wibsey says...
8:25am Wed 11 Jun 08
micksey, wibsey says...
8:25am Wed 11 Jun 08
The Russian, Brizzal says...
8:50am Wed 11 Jun 08
The Russian, Brizzal says...
8:50am Wed 11 Jun 08
The Russian, Brizzal says...
8:50am Wed 11 Jun 08
tyker, midland road says...
9:03am Wed 11 Jun 08
Funny though I seem to remember DW banging on about fitness levels and getting a Clinic/University involved and nothing much happened. Then SM hit the same theme several times last season and even singled out players who were not as fit as they should be etc etc.
So what has changed:SM is still consulting. What does he want a Green Paper, a White Paper and then loads of discussions and a vote.
All sportsmen who are not physically up to the job lose concentration quicker: loss of concentration results in mistakes and silly mistakes which cost goals which costs points!.
So physical toughness gained not just on a week end jolly with the Army but over a long sustained periopd of time leads to better concentration.
Come on SM stop the " we will be discussing bit" get on with it: take a wander through Northcliffe at leisure:just the walk can do us less mortals in so imagine regular running up and down those slopes. Your popularity withe teh players will go down but are you bothered when your job will be on the line.
However change the policy from that which applied in the 60s and 70s when City trained at Northcliffe:take the players away from these training sessions otherwise the Branch will see massively increased takings!!
tyker, midland road says...
9:03am Wed 11 Jun 08
Funny though I seem to remember DW banging on about fitness levels and getting a Clinic/University involved and nothing much happened. Then SM hit the same theme several times last season and even singled out players who were not as fit as they should be etc etc.
So what has changed:SM is still consulting. What does he want a Green Paper, a White Paper and then loads of discussions and a vote.
All sportsmen who are not physically up to the job lose concentration quicker: loss of concentration results in mistakes and silly mistakes which cost goals which costs points!.
So physical toughness gained not just on a week end jolly with the Army but over a long sustained periopd of time leads to better concentration.
Come on SM stop the " we will be discussing bit" get on with it: take a wander through Northcliffe at leisure:just the walk can do us less mortals in so imagine regular running up and down those slopes. Your popularity withe teh players will go down but are you bothered when your job will be on the line.
However change the policy from that which applied in the 60s and 70s when City trained at Northcliffe:take the players away from these training sessions otherwise the Branch will see massively increased takings!!
tyker, midland road says...
9:03am Wed 11 Jun 08
Funny though I seem to remember DW banging on about fitness levels and getting a Clinic/University involved and nothing much happened. Then SM hit the same theme several times last season and even singled out players who were not as fit as they should be etc etc.
So what has changed:SM is still consulting. What does he want a Green Paper, a White Paper and then loads of discussions and a vote.
All sportsmen who are not physically up to the job lose concentration quicker: loss of concentration results in mistakes and silly mistakes which cost goals which costs points!.
So physical toughness gained not just on a week end jolly with the Army but over a long sustained periopd of time leads to better concentration.
Come on SM stop the " we will be discussing bit" get on with it: take a wander through Northcliffe at leisure:just the walk can do us less mortals in so imagine regular running up and down those slopes. Your popularity withe teh players will go down but are you bothered when your job will be on the line.
However change the policy from that which applied in the 60s and 70s when City trained at Northcliffe:take the players away from these training sessions otherwise the Branch will see massively increased takings!!
Mr T, Bradford says...
9:46am Wed 11 Jun 08
Mr T, Bradford says...
9:46am Wed 11 Jun 08
Mr T, Bradford says...
9:46am Wed 11 Jun 08
Bantam Forever, Bingley says...
9:52am Wed 11 Jun 08
Bantam Forever, Bingley says...
9:52am Wed 11 Jun 08
Bantam Forever, Bingley says...
9:52am Wed 11 Jun 08
Waynus, Bradford 6 says...
10:07am Wed 11 Jun 08
Bantam Forever wrote:For me it's Germany or Spain. Holland have always flattered to deceive and I can see them failing again in the latter stages. Spain are another side that always do worse than they should, but I just have an inkling they will be there or there abouts.
Germany all the way !
As for Germany, they have the easier draw and can coast to the final. Will they be beat there? I doubt it.
Instead of McCall watching the Euro's, he should be on the blower to players and their agents he has already spoken to and firmed up his offers. We need another top signing this week and I would be telling the players to sign or go elsewhere. Either they want to sign for us or they don't. It has been almost four weeks since the last meeting between McCall and an agent. I appreciate players (and McCall) have been away on holiday, but not for four weeks.
Time for action Stuart. Get them signed up before this weekend's ticket deadline or move onto your next targets.
Waynus, Bradford 6 says...
10:07am Wed 11 Jun 08
Bantam Forever wrote:For me it's Germany or Spain. Holland have always flattered to deceive and I can see them failing again in the latter stages. Spain are another side that always do worse than they should, but I just have an inkling they will be there or there abouts.
Germany all the way !
As for Germany, they have the easier draw and can coast to the final. Will they be beat there? I doubt it.
Instead of McCall watching the Euro's, he should be on the blower to players and their agents he has already spoken to and firmed up his offers. We need another top signing this week and I would be telling the players to sign or go elsewhere. Either they want to sign for us or they don't. It has been almost four weeks since the last meeting between McCall and an agent. I appreciate players (and McCall) have been away on holiday, but not for four weeks.
Time for action Stuart. Get them signed up before this weekend's ticket deadline or move onto your next targets.
Waynus, Bradford 6 says...
10:07am Wed 11 Jun 08
Bantam Forever wrote:For me it's Germany or Spain. Holland have always flattered to deceive and I can see them failing again in the latter stages. Spain are another side that always do worse than they should, but I just have an inkling they will be there or there abouts.
Germany all the way !
As for Germany, they have the easier draw and can coast to the final. Will they be beat there? I doubt it.
Instead of McCall watching the Euro's, he should be on the blower to players and their agents he has already spoken to and firmed up his offers. We need another top signing this week and I would be telling the players to sign or go elsewhere. Either they want to sign for us or they don't. It has been almost four weeks since the last meeting between McCall and an agent. I appreciate players (and McCall) have been away on holiday, but not for four weeks.
Time for action Stuart. Get them signed up before this weekend's ticket deadline or move onto your next targets.
CTID, Bradford says...
10:46am Wed 11 Jun 08
Although that Van Bronkhurst fella looked handy.. we could do with a replacement for Heck!
CTID, Bradford says...
10:46am Wed 11 Jun 08
Although that Van Bronkhurst fella looked handy.. we could do with a replacement for Heck!
CTID, Bradford says...
10:46am Wed 11 Jun 08
Although that Van Bronkhurst fella looked handy.. we could do with a replacement for Heck!
CTID, Bradford says...
10:48am Wed 11 Jun 08
CTID, Bradford says...
10:48am Wed 11 Jun 08
CTID, Bradford says...
10:48am Wed 11 Jun 08
ward64, BD4 says...
10:50am Wed 11 Jun 08
ward64, BD4 says...
10:50am Wed 11 Jun 08
ward64, BD4 says...
10:50am Wed 11 Jun 08
tyker, midland road says...
11:21am Wed 11 Jun 08
most of the free transfer players coming in are probably paid up to 30 June? mayve 31 may? who knows.
HOWEVER: it just may be that there will be a whole raft of players coming in after 30 June for pre season.
The club are saving as much cash as they can-- ok Bitty may start start his effluence--funny that a bit of bitty and a bit of gripe water usually produces effluence.[it does in my grand kids but not sure about adults still on the bitty!!
tyker, midland road says...
11:21am Wed 11 Jun 08
most of the free transfer players coming in are probably paid up to 30 June? mayve 31 may? who knows.
HOWEVER: it just may be that there will be a whole raft of players coming in after 30 June for pre season.
The club are saving as much cash as they can-- ok Bitty may start start his effluence--funny that a bit of bitty and a bit of gripe water usually produces effluence.[it does in my grand kids but not sure about adults still on the bitty!!
tyker, midland road says...
11:21am Wed 11 Jun 08
most of the free transfer players coming in are probably paid up to 30 June? mayve 31 may? who knows.
HOWEVER: it just may be that there will be a whole raft of players coming in after 30 June for pre season.
The club are saving as much cash as they can-- ok Bitty may start start his effluence--funny that a bit of bitty and a bit of gripe water usually produces effluence.[it does in my grand kids but not sure about adults still on the bitty!!
Mr T, Bradford says...
11:44am Wed 11 Jun 08
Mr T, Bradford says...
11:44am Wed 11 Jun 08
Mr T, Bradford says...
11:44am Wed 11 Jun 08
tyker, midland road says...
12:07pm Wed 11 Jun 08
are you sure?
BALLACK, PODOLSKI AND CLOSE to name but three not forgetting teh geriatric LEHMANN-- what is he 83 going on 38!!.
tyker, midland road says...
12:07pm Wed 11 Jun 08
are you sure?
BALLACK, PODOLSKI AND CLOSE to name but three not forgetting teh geriatric LEHMANN-- what is he 83 going on 38!!.
tyker, midland road says...
12:07pm Wed 11 Jun 08
are you sure?
BALLACK, PODOLSKI AND CLOSE to name but three not forgetting teh geriatric LEHMANN-- what is he 83 going on 38!!.
steve torpeys haircut, School says...
12:10pm Wed 11 Jun 08
steve torpeys haircut, School says...
12:10pm Wed 11 Jun 08
steve torpeys haircut, School says...
12:10pm Wed 11 Jun 08
JM, Skipton says...
12:15pm Wed 11 Jun 08
Waynus wrote:so stuart is banned from watching the Euro's by Waynus, is he at least allowed a toilet break?
Bantam Forever wrote: Germany all the way !For me it's Germany or Spain. Holland have always flattered to deceive and I can see them failing again in the latter stages. Spain are another side that always do worse than they should, but I just have an inkling they will be there or there abouts. As for Germany, they have the easier draw and can coast to the final. Will they be beat there? I doubt it. Instead of McCall watching the Euro's, he should be on the blower to players and their agents he has already spoken to and firmed up his offers. We need another top signing this week and I would be telling the players to sign or go elsewhere. Either they want to sign for us or they don't. It has been almost four weeks since the last meeting between McCall and an agent. I appreciate players (and McCall) have been away on holiday, but not for four weeks. Time for action Stuart. Get them signed up before this weekend's ticket deadline or move onto your next targets.
JM, Skipton says...
12:15pm Wed 11 Jun 08
Waynus wrote:so stuart is banned from watching the Euro's by Waynus, is he at least allowed a toilet break?
Bantam Forever wrote: Germany all the way !For me it's Germany or Spain. Holland have always flattered to deceive and I can see them failing again in the latter stages. Spain are another side that always do worse than they should, but I just have an inkling they will be there or there abouts. As for Germany, they have the easier draw and can coast to the final. Will they be beat there? I doubt it. Instead of McCall watching the Euro's, he should be on the blower to players and their agents he has already spoken to and firmed up his offers. We need another top signing this week and I would be telling the players to sign or go elsewhere. Either they want to sign for us or they don't. It has been almost four weeks since the last meeting between McCall and an agent. I appreciate players (and McCall) have been away on holiday, but not for four weeks. Time for action Stuart. Get them signed up before this weekend's ticket deadline or move onto your next targets.
JM, Skipton says...
12:15pm Wed 11 Jun 08
Waynus wrote:so stuart is banned from watching the Euro's by Waynus, is he at least allowed a toilet break?
Bantam Forever wrote: Germany all the way !For me it's Germany or Spain. Holland have always flattered to deceive and I can see them failing again in the latter stages. Spain are another side that always do worse than they should, but I just have an inkling they will be there or there abouts. As for Germany, they have the easier draw and can coast to the final. Will they be beat there? I doubt it. Instead of McCall watching the Euro's, he should be on the blower to players and their agents he has already spoken to and firmed up his offers. We need another top signing this week and I would be telling the players to sign or go elsewhere. Either they want to sign for us or they don't. It has been almost four weeks since the last meeting between McCall and an agent. I appreciate players (and McCall) have been away on holiday, but not for four weeks. Time for action Stuart. Get them signed up before this weekend's ticket deadline or move onto your next targets.
CTID, Eccleshill says...
12:17pm Wed 11 Jun 08
I'd say Portugal, Holland and Spain have impressed the most so far, though I feel it may be a bit of a false dawn for Spain, and from previous tournaments you can only write Italy off at your peril!
CTID, Eccleshill says...
12:17pm Wed 11 Jun 08
I'd say Portugal, Holland and Spain have impressed the most so far, though I feel it may be a bit of a false dawn for Spain, and from previous tournaments you can only write Italy off at your peril!
CTID, Eccleshill says...
12:17pm Wed 11 Jun 08
I'd say Portugal, Holland and Spain have impressed the most so far, though I feel it may be a bit of a false dawn for Spain, and from previous tournaments you can only write Italy off at your peril!
CTID, Bradford says...
12:34pm Wed 11 Jun 08
CTID, Bradford says...
12:34pm Wed 11 Jun 08
CTID, Bradford says...
12:34pm Wed 11 Jun 08
Mr Sensible, Bingley says...
1:28pm Wed 11 Jun 08
Mr Sensible, Bingley says...
1:28pm Wed 11 Jun 08
Mr Sensible, Bingley says...
1:28pm Wed 11 Jun 08
CTID, Bradford says...
1:52pm Wed 11 Jun 08
CTID, Bradford says...
1:52pm Wed 11 Jun 08
CTID, Bradford says...
1:52pm Wed 11 Jun 08
Oxford Bantam, Oxford says...
1:53pm Wed 11 Jun 08
As i have said on many a post - you need to get a grip lad.
I pity the poor bloke who has to sit next to you all season.
Oxford Bantam, Oxford says...
1:53pm Wed 11 Jun 08
As i have said on many a post - you need to get a grip lad.
I pity the poor bloke who has to sit next to you all season.
Oxford Bantam, Oxford says...
1:53pm Wed 11 Jun 08
As i have said on many a post - you need to get a grip lad.
I pity the poor bloke who has to sit next to you all season.
Luke, Leeds says...
1:57pm Wed 11 Jun 08
tyker wrote:The German squad may not be teenagers but they are still quite young. One of you're examples of their aging squad Podolski, he about 23 I think?
I agree the germans are a good side, and the best thing about the germans are they are all young and in time will reach the same level their predecessors did in the 90s (klinsman and the boys) are you sure? BALLACK, PODOLSKI AND CLOSE to name but three not forgetting teh geriatric LEHMANN-- what is he 83 going on 38!!.
This is actually the same with a lot of their other major stars, Lahm and Schweinsteiger are both about this age. Only two of their current squad will be too old for the world cup Lehmann and Neuville. So I have to think Mr.T has a point. (Sorry if i spelt Schweinsteiger wrong lol not the easiest.)
Luke, Leeds says...
1:57pm Wed 11 Jun 08
tyker wrote:The German squad may not be teenagers but they are still quite young. One of you're examples of their aging squad Podolski, he about 23 I think?
I agree the germans are a good side, and the best thing about the germans are they are all young and in time will reach the same level their predecessors did in the 90s (klinsman and the boys) are you sure? BALLACK, PODOLSKI AND CLOSE to name but three not forgetting teh geriatric LEHMANN-- what is he 83 going on 38!!.
This is actually the same with a lot of their other major stars, Lahm and Schweinsteiger are both about this age. Only two of their current squad will be too old for the world cup Lehmann and Neuville. So I have to think Mr.T has a point. (Sorry if i spelt Schweinsteiger wrong lol not the easiest.)
Luke, Leeds says...
1:57pm Wed 11 Jun 08
tyker wrote:
I agree the germans are a good side, and the best thing about the germans are they are all young and in time will reach the same level their predecessors did in the 90s (klinsman and the boys) are you sure? BALLACK, PODOLSKI AND CLOSE to name but three not forgetting teh geriatric LEHMANN-- what is he 83 going on 38!!.
tyker, midland road says...
8:23am Wed 11 Jun 08
I said it throughout last season we conceded too mnay goals prior to half time, just after half time and at the end of the game.
Without checking detail I would hazard a guess that had we not conceded goals in that last 10 minutes of games we would have been promoted automatically or have been thereabouts.
What was enlightening about the Dutch goal of the season was not only a similarity with one scored by Bergkampf for Holland in a world cup a few years ago but the fact that from the break out they has three players attacking within seconds.
Another team to watch is PORTUGAL: when defending corners they leave three maybe four players up the field: that means the attacking team have to defend and there are less bodies in the penalty area making it easier for keepers to do their job.
be innovative with fit players and invariably you will win more than you lose.