The Sports Psychology Blog
This Sports Psychology blog comes, as Rochdale progress through to the League Two play-off final.
Football: Rochdale - Belief!
So it's Rochdale v Stockport County, in the League Two final, at Wembley. And this, after Rochdale went through at Spotland, in a game in which they were only ahead, with the final kick of the match.
This second leg play-off against Darlington, revealed the depth of character Keith Hill has built into his team. Firstly, they found themselves two goals down on aggregate, after a controversial penalty was awarded against them. Then, into extra-time, they were reduced to ten men.
Yet, there existed a sense, that this strong-willed Rochdale side, would overcome any obstacle that was thrown at them. And much of that underlying belief, must emanate from manager Keith Hill.
There was a great snapshot of Hill, as the final whistle blew in the first-leg, at the Darlington Arena, after his Rochdale team had conceded a last minute goal. This, in a second-half they had throughly dominated. Hill, was chuckling to himself. As if to acknowledge, that the football gods were testing his resolve.
And again, as the second-leg tension rose at Spotland, Keith Hill would, from time to time, appear to be laughing to himself. As if, loving every tension filled minute, of this stirring play-off. That this is exactly how football should be. Loaded with drama and passion. Neither side yielding an inch. Everything on the line. Isn't this why I love the game!
Underneath that laughter, Keith Hill also exuded, a strong sense of inner security. Founded on the conviction, that his Rochdale team would, somehow, find a way to overcome a stubborn Darlington side.
Clearly this is a man, who has trained and programmed his team to a level, where there is great trust between players and manager. In the presence of Keith Hill, this Rochdale team, have no fear of failure.
This is what good leadership is made of. That whatever the circumstances, you hold your conviction, that the impossible can become possible. And that conviction, fuels the players drive and will.
If Stockport County bring a similar level of resolve to Wembley, the League Two play-off final promises to be a real test of inner strength.
