The Sports Psychology Blog
This Sports Psychology blog comes as Leeds United on-loan striker, Dougie Freedman, earns the plaudits of his manager, Gary McCallister.
Football: Dougie Freedman - Enthusiasm!
Leeds United boss Gary McAllister was fulsome in his praise of Dougie Freedman, after the on-loan striker came off his sick bed to help secure three points against Carlisle United. Whilst Freedman's four goals have helped play a big part in his successful loan spell, what he has also brought to the Leeds promotion push, is the quality of enthusiasm.
In the same way that Paul Dickov did at Blackpool and Andy Cole did initially at Burnley, Freedman is a catalyst. That is, an experienced player who still has something to prove. Who is not just turning up to collect a pay cheque. But wants to make a difference. A leader and winner, in whose presence, other players lift their games. Whose success in the game, creates a sense of belief in those around them.
As Dave Penney has found out to his cost at Darlington, the pressure of promotion expectancy, can get to players. Can cause them to under perform. As we reach the business end of the season, that sense of expectancy will be greater at Elland Road, than anywhere in the country.
However, with Dougie Freedman in their ranks, United have a player who will not be phased by the pressure, one bit. In fact he will thrive on it. The greater the pressure, the more focused the good players become.
Leeds United choked badly in their last play-off final. If they make it to Wembley this time around, the presence of Dougie Freedman makes it unlikely that they will fall foul of their fears again. For in the presence of belief, fear cannot take hold.
