Trouble in the dressing room

In all clubs there are varying levels of friction between players. In some it may be the player that always complains about decisions, in others it may be a playing rivalry, and in the worst cases, it becomes a personal battle.

For every club it is those that lead the club that have to set the example.

Players at clubs with smaller numbers frequently become almost an extended family, they look after each other and those disagreeing voices are drown amongst a sea of goodwill. My experience of the smaller numbers is that they self regulate and the overwhelming mindset is that club and goodwill is key. The voice that continually disputes the decisions, even when the call is clearly wrong, is gradually quietened and the group move forward.

There are many clubs with larger numbers and with these clubs the rules and constitutions guide the direction. It still takes leadership, often from a full committee, to set the tone, but with more people and more playing things happen. Much of the cause for what happens is the competitive attitude we all adopt when we cross the line and set foot on the pitch. We may be old but we don't like losing or being in the wrong. And it's this dislike of losing, or believing we're right, that makes us too quick, too aggressive, or question those refereeing decisions.

Of course, there are those individuals that take playing very seriously, even when it's a practice kick-about, and for them I've coined the term 'competitive blindness'. These players can never accept they're wrong, that the ball was over crossbar height, or that they've had four touches. I've seen some very petulant behaviour from grown men who simply will not accept what every one else has seen. They're often the nicest of people off the field, but a grey mist envelopes them as soon as the football shirt is worn and the boots tied up.

What's your experience and what personalities have you played with?