The pressure of managing a Premier League side must be enormous without having to cope with the trauma that befell Tom Lockyer last weekend.
Walking aroung the pitch, at the Vitality Stadium, Rob Edwards had tears in his eyes and I’ve no doubt the gaffer would have felt the strain all week, during the preparation for the Newcastle United home fixture.
Therefore, with everything that had gone on in the previous six days, earning the three points available, against Newcastle United, would have been a pretty decent pick-me-up for the gaffer.
Talking to the BBC, after the final whistle, the gaffer, as honest as ever, gave an insight into just what the week had been like for him, remarking.
“I’m an emotional wreck at the moment, really proud of everybody. It’s been a tough week for the football club, it’s been the greatest challenge of my football career. No coaching badges prepare you for something like this. I’ve needed the support of everybody and the players have been incredible – to go and perform as they have, after last week, words fail me.”
A wonderful acknowledgement of just how much of a team game this sport we all love is, but continuing, Rob added:
“We wanted to do it for Tom. It wasn’t extra motivation, we just wanted to embody what he is about. He’s brave, determined, a fighter, and I thought we showed all of those attributes today. It feels strange talking about a football match with everything that’s gone on, but it’s a huge win.”
Indeed, it is a huge win and improves our chances of climbing out of the relegation zone immensely, even more so with a fixture against another side occupying a relegation place, Sheffield United, on Boxing Day.
Quite what Tom made of it all, watching on from the sanctuary of his own home, made of it, I’d love to know.
