Rats!...

...Was the Gaffer's exclamation after the 2nd game of 2020 - a 2-2 draw with Paringdon.

"Rats" Slang . (disappointment, disgust, or disbelief.) - Oxford English Dictionary. Despite the challenging conditions, we were on the back foot in the first 15mins when we generously gave away them free rein to shoot. We finally found our rhythm, but could take make our superiority count and dropped 2 points. Rats have much to do with football and the Gaffer's plans from January 25th... the Chinese New Year Day of the Rat (and not just Razvan Rat the Romanian or John Terry the love rat). Our 1st game of the Chinese New Year is the 45s Semi Final... last year we were just happy to score a goal, so we look to our rodent relatives for increased inspiration.

Rats are very collegiate - they think of the group first and self second.

Rats thrive on companionship - socialising and succeeding together.

Rats laugh and chatter - they are never quiet. Rats have great memories - knowing routes & routines without prompting. We also learn from the failing of Rats... who succumb to peer pressure, run away from confrontation and eat anything. The Gaffer wants players to express views (at the right time and for the betterment of the collective, not for individuals), to meet challenges with gusto and to fuel/refuel themselves in the best way possible. The last point is particularly relevant. I had to purchase 3 more XXL shirts over the festive break to accommodate the multiple mince pies quaffed at Christmas. I take no shame in challenging us all to make the most of this season and watching what we eat is among those marginal gains we can maximise. When we get to a certain age, piling on the pounds gets a little too easy to achieve... slowing us down, impacting our joints and putting us at risk of health conditions such as T2 Diabetes - none of which is what I want for you as friends or as players in my team (you do not need to be overweight to get T2!) Diabetes can affect the blood supply to the nerves, which is why eye tests and chiropodist appointments are so crucial because sight and feet are very susceptible - 2 critical components of the game we love. Diabetes comes in (predominately) 2 types - Type 1, a life-long, typically an auto-immune condition diagnosed in younger years and Type 2, usually a lifestyle (exercise & diet) condition that can be managed and reversed by better food and more active bodies. (which will be one of the reasons I unashamedly have suggested better post-match meals and yoga)

Diabetes has nearly tripled to over 4 million in just over 2 decades - that is 1 in 15, or 2 in every squad. 90% are Type 2 and there will be more that are "borderline." Gary Mabbutt is the most famous footballer with (T1) Diabetes and recently was attacked by a rat as he slept whilst on Safari, but did not feel it because of the nerve damage in his feet. Gary is an ambassador for Spurs, The FA and Diabetes UK. He is a great guy that has found time to help my 13 year old son on his journey with T1 Diabetes. So the links between Rats and ageing footballers are myriad. The team and individuals that wish to continue this season of surprises need to look at the lessons learned from our long-tailed friends be even better than they have been already this year. The Gaffer is always on hand to help, you just need to ask. Just don't make me use their name in vain again!