Gordon-isms
by Alan Maher
My friend Gordon Bradley died recently. He had coached many stars for the old New York Cosmos and the Washington Diplomats. He ended his career coaching at the college level. His son, Paul, sent me a list of some things that he used to say to his players at the professional and college level. I would not pretend that the words are original as some are obvious paraphrases of others. I am listing them because they are pungent and worth repeating.
· It only takes one goal to win a game.
· You owe it to the game to give 110 percent for 90 minutes.
· Respect the game; enjoy the moment.
· I want a good player but I want a good person first.
· If in doubt, get it out.
· When not in possession, get in position.
· Always face the ball.
· Some people are working right now.
· A goal is a goal is a goal.
· Goal side!
· If you can walk off the field you haven’t given 100%.
· A defender is a defender is a defender.
· Stay with it.
· You can never go wrong with a diagonal pass.
· Make the run.
· See the cars on the highway? Those are people driving to work. Enjoy the game.
· When marking an opponent, make his life a “nightmare.†Make him want to ask his coach to leave the field.
· Respect the game; enjoy the moment.
· Keep your high balls low and your long balls short.
· In 90 minutes you touch the ball for about 3 minutes. What are you doing for the other 87 minutes?
· There is always a career in the game if you want it.
· When things go wrong, keep smiling, there is sunshine around the corner.
Gordon Bradley