Simon Wright felt sympathy for the trialists at Ledbury:
Job Interview Voyeur
... that’s a fair summary of my feelings of the first half at Ledbury. A hapless bunch of young out-of-work sportsmen trying to catch the manager’s eye while trying to shut out the 700 curious onlookers observing their every step. It’s a mighty tough way to secure temporary work (essentially that’s what a football contract is). Perhaps I ought to be less fearful of the three man interview panels in future – normally my fate when I’m pursuing advancement. Perhaps in the circumstances it was helpful that the gang of nine were annoymous, in the absence of a PA at the ground.
Consider the pressures these lads were under. It was a warm day and there was an expectant (albeit very patient) audience. Those were the basic problems. Beyond that was not having any knowledge of their fellow team mates. Should they look to pass or go it alone? If the pass failed, who would be to blame? If they made a run into space and didn’t get a pass – would they be credited for trying or receive a demerit for leaving a gap? Were their team mates really on their side or was it “sod you, Jack- I’m out for myself”?
Most importantly, there was the risk of injury either from the highly enthusiastic Ledbury side or from the perfectly dreadful playing surface. There were bumps and divots all over the pitch. A routine pass or shot would strike an uneven part of the surface and balloon upwards. Picking up a sprain, a hamstring or whatever now could potentially prevent any more football for 2-3 weeks – just at a time when squads are being finalised. No trial, no contract, no work.
Perhaps it was understandable that one or two of the hopefuls just “didn’t fancy it” during long spells of their interview. This is the reality of lower level professional football – the normally ignored rump of our professional game.
It’s very tough at the bottom.