The Sports Psychology Blog
This Sports Psychology blog comes as Gary Johnson's Bristol City, take a Championship play-off lead, at Selhurst Park.
Football: Bristol City - Refreshed!
It's the closing moments of the Championship play-off match at Selhurst Park. A Ben Watson penalty has brought the scores level. And Crystal Palace appear to have finally found some momentum. When, from out of the blue, David Noble hits an unstoppable strike, and Bristol City have secured a vital first leg lead.
When Palace secured their late equaliser, The Robins could be forgiven for holding onto the draw. To return to Ashton Gate on level terms.
But to then snatch a late winner, is testimony to the belief Gary Johnson has installed in his side. And a tribute to the manner in which he prepared his team, for this first leg play-off.
City's final third of the season, had all the hallmarks of a squad running out of steam. Their first year back in the Championship, taking its toll on battle weary players. Yet, somehow, Johnson re-evoked the belief and spirit, that was the foundation of their fourth place finish. For this was a Bristol City side that appeared, refreshed.
Clearly, Gary Johnson used the time ahead of the Crystal Palace match, to his advantage. Confirming individual and collective strengths; evoking positive memories; lightening the mood; lifting the pressure off his team; being able to draw a clear line under the season and cast lingering doubts and fears aside. Then to reset the focus and the collective goals.
David Noble's winner, had the mark of a team, that had remembered how to win again. Maybe if this game had been played two weeks ago, the outcome would have been different. But, in the mental battle that is the play-offs, Gary Johnson showed he is not a man to be under-estimated.
