ANDY O'Brien refuses to be ruffled by the critics as he fights for his Premiership future, even if the man putting the boot in is his club's former manager.
The experienced centre-back accepts criticism as an integral and sometimes interesting aspect of professional football.
But he is selective about who he listens to, especially when the critics have their own agendas. Sam Allardyce for instance.
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Big Sam chose the first anniversary of his Reebok departure to criticise the club's failure to build on the foundations he laid during the seven-and-a-half years of his managerial reign.
The timing of the comments, in the week building up to one of the biggest games in the club's recent history, have angered his former bosses, but O'Brien's cool reaction suggested that he, at least, has not been dsitracted from the job in hand.
"I wasn't under his management," said the former Bradford and Newcastle defender who joined Wanderers from Portsmouth in a £1.5m deal last August.
Careful not be drawn into a specific attack on a man he doesn't know, the 29-year-old Republic of Ireland international preferred to speak in general terms of the critics.
"Everybody's got an opinion, that's what makes football such an interesting game," he added. "But sometimes you've got to look at the people who it's coming from. Sometimes criticism can be constructive, other times it's to leave the boot in.
"Sometimes people take it more personally than others, but it's only opinion after all."
Posted by: howfenguy, westhoughton on 8:57am Fri 2 May 08
STOP PRESS# STOP PRESS# Late news flash >>> is there any truth in the story circulating in south american 'Brazil Journal' that our very own Gary (Jerry) Megson & Phil (Phillis) Gartside were in fact the undercover ‘Girls’ trying to entice Ronaldo to the Reebok? Mmmmmmm.
STOP PRESS# STOP PRESS# Late news flash >>> is there any truth in the story circulating in south american 'Brazil Journal' that our very own Gary (Jerry) Megson & Phil (Phillis) Gartside were in fact the undercover ‘Girls’ trying to entice Ronaldo to the Reebok? Mmmmmmm.
Absolutely fascinating and thought provoking article. Different perspective on a whole range of philosophical issues that man has pondered for ages. Thank you BEN.
Absolutely fascinating and thought provoking article. Different perspective on a whole range of philosophical issues that man has pondered for ages. Thank you BEN.
Anyone seen these so called reports? This from goal.com
[bold]Anelka Ineligible For Bolton Clash - Report[/bold]
Nicolas Anelka will not feature in Chelsea’s final Premier League game against former club Bolton Wanderers, [bold]according to[/bold] [bold]reports.[/bold]
Anyone seen these so called reports? This from goal.com
Anelka Ineligible For Bolton Clash - Report
Nicolas Anelka will not feature in Chelsea’s final Premier League game against former club Bolton Wanderers, according toreports.
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