Neville to team talk England

What do you think about former Man Utd player Gary Neville, addressing Lancaster’s EPS about what it means to represent their country on the international stage and the importance of discipline.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/england/9016704/Stuart-Lancaster-calls-on-Gary-Neville-to-give-motivational-talk-to-England-rugby-squad.html

As a player who with a relatively limited skill set, he played 85 times for England, the reason, he gave everything he had every time. If I wanted a motivational team talk about "What it means to represent my country"; the only other player I can think of that gave as much or possibly more is Stuart Pearce.

Not sure he is the best one to talk about discipline, he always came across as a mouthy little g*t, when playing, but then don't all wendyballers. I can't remember him giving away too many free kicks or penalties though, so maybe he was disciplined in his play.

Neville has proven to be a very articulate speaker. He also has the look and mannerisms of a very annoying scrum half, so the squad should feel right at home.

It seems like something you would see in a comedy show.

Would that be the same Gary Neville who said that his international career was a waste of time and playing for his club was the most important thing??....

He's just the man to get England going then.

Jeezuz, what in God's name are they thinking of?

Unless they are going to use him as a tackle-bag. That would bring the crowds in.

Seems they are in worse disaray than I thought. Sets them up nicely to throw the kitchen sink at us in their first home fixture though.

Morgannwg wrote:Seems they are in worse disaray than I thought. Sets them up nicely to throw the kitchen sink at us in their first home fixture though.

And I suppose you're an expert on motivating professional sportspeople?

Some seem to have missed the point completely, other motivational speakers invited include representatives from cycling, cricket and the Army. Neville has as much to add as any of those who will appear. Neville has over 80 caps for England, it is irrelevant which sport he plays.

Unless of course you just want a pathetic little dig at England.

It is quite clear that Lancaster is taking the correct approach with regards to his appointment, and I suspect that other home Nations' managerial staff are busy undertaking similar preparations, you just wouldn't necessarily hear about it. Rather stupid to suggest that England are in dissaray because of this article, it is much more likely that England have been galvanised by recent experience.

Disaray my arris I think the reason behind it to learn of GN's sheer pride, passion and joy of playing in a man u and England shirt (at the start of his international career anyway). He loved playing for man u and nothing drove him more than beating their rivals like liverpool, city and Arsenal. This is what SL wants the England players to feel like.

I'm guessing David Haye wasn't free that day...

I was not having a dig at England. I seen this as a contributing factor to them perhaps being in disaray. Let me get this straight. Lancaster wants the guys to feel the passion that a Man UTD football player would feel when playing Liverpool?

Morgannwg wrote:I was not having a dig at England. I seen this as a contributing factor to them perhaps being in disaray. Let me get this straight. Lancaster wants the guys to feel the passion that a Man UTD football player would feel when playing Liverpool?

Morgannwg wrote:It seems like something you would see in a comedy show.

Yes you were.

Sarcasm, not a personal dig. But saying that my banter offends a lot of people.

I'd love to see how passionate Gary Neville is if Jamie Roberts or Sean O'Brien is running at him.....

Morgannwg wrote:Sarcasm, not a personal dig. But saying that my banter offends a lot of people.

I think you'd better look the meaning of the word sarcasm up in the dictionary.

No, come on He just wants a motivational talk from a player who absolutely gave his all for one club. No way England are in disaray. New coaches, new-ish team, new training base. I like the cut of SL's jib tbh....

This game is just like the times that Man UTD got the TREBLE. In spite of Haskell not being in this world beating squad, I still expect you to DOMINATE. C'mon Engluunndddd!

roddersm wrote:I'd love to see how passionate Gary Neville is if Jamie Roberts or Sean O'Brien is running at him.....

He'd be thinking ' What are they doing in the sky sports studio?' He has had 50,000 jocks baying for his blood and come out smelling of roses so.....

Morgannwg wrote:This game is just like the times that Man UTD got the TREBLE. In spite of Haskell not being in this world beating squad, I still expect you to DOMINATE. C'mon Engluunndddd!

I'm getting quite concerned about your Haskell Domination fantasy's Morg......

I think England have score enough own goals without G Neville's help

Well Neville makes a much better candidate than Alastair Campbell did for the Lions. Not much to this story.

If the best captain England ever had couldn't get them going at the RWC then I doubt Neville will. Intelligent he may be (especially for a footballer) he lacks any real charisma in his language and although, he talks sense isn't really interesting to listen too.

Do not see why Neville would do it though. Must have been offered a new Range Rover and a years supply of Powerade.

formerly known as Sam wrote:If the best captain England ever had couldn't get them going at the RWC then I doubt Neville will.

I was slow on the uptake there, thinking to myself that although Moody was okay as captain I wouldn't have classed him as the best England ever had. Then I had the moment and remembered who the coach was!

Although I like Lancaster's approach so far I'm not sure that this new England squad will need overly motivating. They are younger and many are new to international rugby, most of the old guard who came across as being overconfident and (now after the event) as somewhat of a negative influence are gone, and most the players are potentially playing for a new coach after this years 6N and hope to continue through to the next world cup in 4 years time so there is plenty for them to play for. I'm more concerned that it is a new team who have never played together and would rather they spent more non-training time learning defensive systems etc. I'm all for some motivating and the guy from the army sounds a great idea but it's no good if 15 over-psyched up players run out at Murryfield and preform like headless chickens.

I'm surprised that players will even need to be told what wearing the national shirt involves

roddersm wrote:Would that be the same Gary Neville who said that his international career was a waste of time and playing for his club was the most important thing??....

Not quite what he said, which i'm sure you already knew.

"There have been times when I've reflected on my international career and just thought: 'Well that was a massive waste of time."

He then goes on to explain some of the crap directed at them from the media, which i think we can all agree is sometimes utter tripe!

He also said:

"I regard myself as patriotic but, truth be told, playing for England was a bonus. Winning for my club was always the most important thing and given a straight choice of a European Cup with United or a European Championship with England, it's United every time."

Not really the kind of guy to lecture anyone on how important it is to represent your country is he?

Cymroglan wrote:I'm surprised that players will even need to be told what wearing the national shirt involves

You'd think so and I agree - but when I think of all the flat, low intensity and apathetic performances I've seen from many international sides over the years......

I went to University in Manchester and Gary Neville, from my perspective has a good reputation. I met him as part of a group of students and he told us that his greatest moment for England was early in his career in Euro 96 that he crossed a ball for the legendary Alan Shearer to score. He seemed a decent bloke.
However I just cannot imagine a current sky pundit from a Northern City from a working class background, a multimillionaire, from a different sport, who publically questioned the point of playing for England is the right person to motivate an England team. I just hope he's there for the Wales game.

Warren Gatland has countered this motivational coup by getting a plank of wood to address the Welsh squad as he sought something less dense!!

https://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=165712457002

Obviously this is why the Neville lad got the nod...good to see Lancaster is building on England's expertise in this area by bringing in talent from other sports.

Apparently Jamie Redknapp was busy, so England decided on Gary Neville as the next best thing...

Messymesina wrote:I went to University in Manchester and Gary Neville, from my perspective has a good reputation. I met him as part of a group of students and he told us that his greatest moment for England was early in his career in Euro 96 that he crossed a ball for the legendary Alan Shearer to score. He seemed a decent bloke.
However I just cannot imagine a current sky pundit from a Northern City from a working class background, a multimillionaire, from a different sport, who publically questioned the point of playing for England is the right person to motivate an England team. I just hope he's there for the Wales game.

How can you be such a snob if Manchester is your alma mater!!!!!?

WELL-PAST-IT wrote:I can't remember him giving away too many free kicks or penalties though, so maybe he was disciplined in his play.

It's less that he was disciplined, more that he managed to get away with a hell of a lot. Maybe that's why he's been brought on board.

Surely the idea of brining passionate sportsman from England to do a little talk is a good idea....and whilst he might not be the most enigmatic guy ....one thing you couldnt knock Neville for was absolute passion....

And whats the one thing that many of us fans were confused at is that why do Ireland, Scotland, France etc come out of the blocks like a tornado willing to take on tanks...yet England come out like a flock of sunbathing sheep.....

Maybe Lancaster is trying to get some fire in their bellies....

Taffineastbourne wrote:Warren Gatland has countered this motivational coup by getting a plank of wood to address the Welsh squad as he sought something less dense!!

Apparently, a plank of wood wasn't available, so Gatland arranged the next best thing and selected Gavin Henson in his senior squad.

luckless_pedestrian wrote:

WELL-PAST-IT wrote:I can't remember him giving away too many free kicks or penalties though, so maybe he was disciplined in his play.

It's less that he was disciplined, more that he managed to get away with a hell of a lot. Maybe that's why he's been brought on board.

It certainly hasn't done Richie McCaw any harm...

GeordieFalcon wrote:Surely the idea of brining passionate sportsman from England to do a little talk is a good idea....and whilst he might not be the most enigmatic guy ....one thing you couldnt knock Neville for was absolute passion....

And whats the one thing that many of us fans were confused at is that why do Ireland, Scotland, France etc come out of the blocks like a tornado willing to take on tanks...yet England come out like a flock of sunbathing sheep.....

Maybe Lancaster is trying to get some fire in their bellies....

Stop letting a sensible point of view and reasoned debate get in the way of anti-English biggotry, you'll spoil the fun.

From what I have read it seems,some sort of lateral thinking from other sports.I would hope former greats,like Ackford,Dooley,Beaumomt,Greenwood
would be approached too.
Lancaster is on a hiding too nothing,as caretaker he will get stick if they lose.
Already they[RFU]are lining up loads of big names in an attempt to take over
before end of 6Ns.
Even if he produces a winning team he personally will lose out,Jack Rowell was the last.
Manager/coach of similar background and He was stastically THE most successful England Coach.Being of the hands on variety.
For 8 years we have lived in a Shadow of2003,retirement,almost en masse.
Of that team plus,the fixation of NO ONE could Replace Jonny Wilkinson held
the team back.ALL the 10`s knew when Jonny was fit they were gone,problem
was Jonny was Seldom fit.
Now to all intents and purposes he has gone,the new side has many young exciting players.
First they need a coach to get the basics right,forwards doing the graft up front,
and supplying good ball to the backs.
Let the backs play with imagination,not just kick and rush ,don`t expect miracles.
This year IF they win more than they lose it will be a good result,build a squad and stick to it.

Equo Troiano wrote:

GeordieFalcon wrote:Surely the idea of brining passionate sportsman from England to do a little talk is a good idea....and whilst he might not be the most enigmatic guy ....one thing you couldnt knock Neville for was absolute passion....

And whats the one thing that many of us fans were confused at is that why do Ireland, Scotland, France etc come out of the blocks like a tornado willing to take on tanks...yet England come out like a flock of sunbathing sheep.....

Maybe Lancaster is trying to get some fire in their bellies....

Stop letting a sensible point of view and reasoned debate get in the way of anti-English biggotry, you'll spoil the fun.

Ah your right sorry dude....

Its a stupid idea...getting a moron with no talent or personality from a different sport to do a team talk....

Is that better?

emack2 wrote:From what I have read it seems,some sort of lateral thinking from other sports.I would hope former greats,like Ackford,Dooley,Beaumomt,Greenwood
would be approached too.
Lancaster is on a hiding too nothing,as caretaker he will get stick if they lose.
Already they[RFU]are lining up loads of big names in an attempt to take over
before end of 6Ns.
Even if he produces a winning team he personally will lose out,Jack Rowell was the last.
Manager/coach of similar background and He was stastically THE most successful England Coach.Being of the hands on variety.
For 8 years we have lived in a Shadow of2003,retirement,almost en masse.
Of that team plus,the fixation of NO ONE could Replace Jonny Wilkinson held
the team back.ALL the 10`s knew when Jonny was fit they were gone,problem
was Jonny was Seldom fit.
Now to all intents and purposes he has gone,the new side has many young exciting players.
First they need a coach to get the basics right,forwards doing the graft up front,
and supplying good ball to the backs.
Let the backs play with imagination,not just kick and rush ,don`t expect miracles.
This year IF they win more than they lose it will be a good result,build a squad and stick to it.

Not sure...i think he's in a win win situation....he can come in and get rid of the old hasbeens...give the youngsters run out under no pressure...ready for the next guy...then return to his Saxons role.
If he gets it right and has them firing straight away then even better.

I wonder if the IRFU will bring Roy Keane in to discuss team bonding and player/coach relations?

Maybe the French could bring Cantona in to talk a bit about crowd interaction too?

Hey it might just work Rodders....

roddersm wrote:I wonder if the IRFU will bring Roy Keane in to discuss team bonding and player/coach relations?

Or Stephen Ireland to do a presentation on good excuses for not turning up for international duty.

GeordieFalcon wrote:

emack2 wrote:From what I have read it seems,some sort of lateral thinking from other sports.I would hope former greats,like Ackford,Dooley,Beaumomt,Greenwood
would be approached too.
Lancaster is on a hiding too nothing,as caretaker he will get stick if they lose.
Already they[RFU]are lining up loads of big names in an attempt to take over
before end of 6Ns.
Even if he produces a winning team he personally will lose out,Jack Rowell was the last.
Manager/coach of similar background and He was stastically THE most successful England Coach.Being of the hands on variety.
For 8 years we have lived in a Shadow of2003,retirement,almost en masse.
Of that team plus,the fixation of NO ONE could Replace Jonny Wilkinson held
the team back.ALL the 10`s knew when Jonny was fit they were gone,problem
was Jonny was Seldom fit.
Now to all intents and purposes he has gone,the new side has many young exciting players.
First they need a coach to get the basics right,forwards doing the graft up front,
and supplying good ball to the backs.
Let the backs play with imagination,not just kick and rush ,don`t expect miracles.
This year IF they win more than they lose it will be a good result,build a squad and stick to it.

Not sure...i think he's in a win win situation....he can come in and get rid of the old hasbeens...give the youngsters run out under no pressure...ready for the next guy...then return to his Saxons role.
If he gets it right and has them firing straight away then even better.

Emack is right in my opinion. Lancaster has been put in a difficult situation, as I've said before. He either does what's best for England, or he does what's best for himself. The intersection is very small. Either way he's bound to be replaced with someone else of questionable ability later who will feel the need to "stamp his mark" by reversing anything Lancaster did. The whole situation is typical RFU blazer bs.

SafeAsMilk wrote:

roddersm wrote:I wonder if the IRFU will bring Roy Keane in to discuss team bonding and player/coach relations?

Or Stephen Ireland to do a presentation on good excuses for not turning up for international duty.

No need...getting out of Ireland duty is easy...you just need to play for Ulster or be under the age of 30....

roddersm wrote:

SafeAsMilk wrote:

roddersm wrote:I wonder if the IRFU will bring Roy Keane in to discuss team bonding and player/coach relations?

Or Stephen Ireland to do a presentation on good excuses for not turning up for international duty.

No need...getting out of Ireland duty is easy...you just need to play for Ulster or be under the age of 30....

Thats pretty funny!

I hear Paul Gascoigne is free and could bring an interactive element to his talk by illustrating some stories about good dental hygeine

They should have got Phil in aswell, they could have done a double act.



Isnt it pretty usual to use different methods of motivation at different points so its always changing and grabbing the attention span of the players.?

Maybe they should have tried to get beckham in, the man may be a media loving money machine and an icon for everything thats wrong with footballers, but on the other hand you could never doubt his work ethic and motviation to play for england and do his all in any way he could for the cause.

SneakySideStep wrote:I hear Paul Gascoigne is free and could bring an interactive element to his talk by illustrating some stories about good dental hygeine

And he'll bring his fishing rod and a bucket of KFC....