The Sports Psychology Blog
This Sports Psychology blog comes after Crystal Palace further their play-off aspirations, with a win at Watford.
Football: Neil Warnock - The Warnock Effect
It's the post-match debrief at Vicarage Rd., and Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock is being quizzed about the secrets of his success. "If managers knew that they would be very wealthy men wouldn't they? We try and get the team ethic and at the moment the team ethic is spot on."
There is no doubt that Neil Warnock, like Dave Bassett before him, is an expert in the art of getting teams promoted. If Palace make the end of season play-offs, none of their opponents will relish playing them.
But what is it about Neil Warnock? What is it about him that makes him so effective at his job? Sure, his teams have a strong sense of togetherness. They work hard and play with energy and enthusiasm. But there's more than that. There's the keen sense of edge that Warnock brings.
It's as if he has unresolved issues that drive him. A sense of injustice, that he is forever trying to right. A point to prove. A desire to not experience the bitter taste of failure. It's that same burning quality you see in Sir Alex Ferguson. A competitive drive and spirit, that no amount of success can seem to satiate. An anger, permanently simmering beneath the surface.
Warnock's communication skills, allow him to transfer that competitive edge to his players. And of course, creating the siege mentality, that lets them know, the world is against them.
It's a combination, that makes Warnock the perfect manager for moulding a team of underachievers into winners. Perfect, because players with a point to prove, led by a manager with a strong sense of purpose, creates a powerful force. And one that will have no fear, should they reach the play-offs.
