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 Charlie Knox26, m, resident of spa, northern ireland, a thinker, who tries to be real, enjoys the company of nala(left), indebted to jesus for his grace and instruction in life and whose, amongst other things, studying sports science at UUJ. enjoy rugby a whole lot! |
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Thursday, January 25, 2007 Kicking Down Heaven's Door! Cormac, one of my mates from uni, knew i was into coaching a fair bit and so a couple of weeks ago he handed me 'Kicking Down Heaven's Door: Diary of Football Manager Mickey Harte.' Mickey manages the Tyrone County Gaelic football team and sucessfully led them to the All Ireland title in 2003 and again in 2005. The diary tells the story of the 2003 effort.  To be honest before picking the book up i wasn't that interested but once i got started i couldn't put it down. I was fascinated by all the coaching styles and techniques Mickey used and how he related to his players, his colleagues, the supporters, his family, the media and his critics. The one thing that struck me was that he took time to listen to all of them. He let them have their say, considered what they had said and then made informed decisions. This approach empowered his players and consolidated the team mentality. He also fiercely trusted his colleagues and frequently relied on their expertise and opinions. He referred to his players and the coaching team as 'the circle'. The circle was symbolic of every man's place and importance and how they would stand together.He made time for the supporters but also knew there were times when the team had to withdraw to focus themselves. He maintained positive relationships with the press and when it came to critics, he took on board what they said, sometimes accepting they had a vaild point but at other times completely disagreed with them but was able to explain why. I also gleaned a fair bit from his psychological approaches to coaching. He would use a range of techniques to get his players focused, or to give them confidence or to instill passion and fight or 'steel' as he called it, in them. For example he often selected certain pieces in the media, articles or videos that would stir a response into his boys! The book makes me want to do a few things. I'd now like to go a see a few gaelic games so i can better understand some of the unfamiliar terminology he used and the tactics and strategy he often referred to. I'd also like to buy some more stuff written by coaches of different sports 'out on the job'. This is one thing i got the impression Mickey had done plenty off...he had resourced himself well with the approaches of others and was willing to learn something from everyone. posted by charlie | 6:08 PM | Out and Up I was seduced into the outdoors today by the fantastic weather. Me and Nala headed out for a dander into the dromara hills to the place where the photograph at the top of this page was taken. And boy was it worthwhile!! The air was so crisp up there and visibility brilliant. I took my time hiking up to the top of the hill making sure to stop and take in the view all along the way and also because my wellies didn't have great traction on the icy grass! When i got to the top of the hill, the mournes in all their splendour came into view and it was pretty overwhelming. With a gentle but very cool wind blowing over us and the sun beating down on us i plonked my butt down and just soaked it all in. The beauty was beyond words. From that spot you can see almost the whole of down.... Bangor and Pikki Park excepted! As i looked over the county i began to think of the so many special times and places and people that have helped make me feel so 'home' here! Times spent playing in water at Murlough, Tyrella and Bloody Bridge, many days and nights spent hiking or camping around local forests or in the mournes, trips around the many special historical sights that date back 1000's of years, nights spent in local pubs drinking guinness and dancing, days and nights driving around the county exploring back roads. The list could go on for so long. As i thought of all these though i also thought of so many friends who I've shared these many special times with. SOme friends from just down the road, some from the other side of the world, some i knew well, others who i got to know so much more because of the times mentioned above. It felt so natural to thank God for allowing me to live where i do and for so the blessing of so many special times and people that have all contributed to the tapestry of my life. It was nice to get this perspective on the goodness of life, of God. SOmetimes it can be harder to see. It didn't make me forget the tough stuff, the evil stuff or the hard stuff of life. It just reminded me that God is bigger and deeper and better. TOday i thank God for another Co. Down experience! posted by charlie | 5:59 PM | Wednesday, January 24, 2007 Congratulations Ben! posted by charlie | 9:42 PM | 6 nations fantasy league! The 6 nations is just about to get underway. Definitely some of the best TV months in the year!! Gregory has set up a wee fantasy mini league for a bit of craic! If you want to join the league, head over to Guinness Fantasy Rugby to set up a team and then leave a comment here and I'll get in touch with you as to how you can join our league! posted by charlie | 9:36 PM | Monday, January 15, 2007 half way through Well i just finished my exams. it feels nice to say that. I am now officially half way through my undergraduate degree here at Jordanstown. If the next half goes as quick as the last one i'll be done in no time. Fortunately i now have two weeks off. In between the usual rugby committments i'm hoping to tidy my room, catch up with a few locals, buy a new pair of trainers, take a road trip with Mel, get my head around where we're at with the Kenya trip and what we need to be doing to keep on track (raising £13000 being foremost in my mind at present!), wash and hoover my car and of course the standard 'time off' trip to the hills. Did return to mannafest on saturday night for it's 20th birthday. a great night. still hasn't lost any of the ingredients that made it such a significant part of my life for a long time. Brian Heasley was speaking. a very real bloke whose inspiring without even trying to be. posted by charlie | 2:18 PM | Thursday, January 04, 2007 christmas rant from moby  'christ compels us to be better than we usually are.christ compels us to forgive those who've wronged us. christ compels us to love our enemies. christ compels us to be humble and non-judgemental. christ compels us to care for the neediest. christ compels us to be non-violent.
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christ compels us to recognize that the material world and all of our posessions will ultimately turn into dust, so we shouldn't get too attached to our bodies, our lives, and our stuff. and, most importantly(in many ways), christ compels us to love one another and look after one another, and to see all people as our own family.' more here. Tuesday, January 02, 2007 Having been tagged by mark and emma here's 5 things you may or may not know about me.... 1. I sucked my thumb until i was 14. It used to be that i couldn't sleep without sucking it and i often feared that i would never be able to stop. But i did. 2. I would like to live and work in New York city sometime for at least a few months. Kinda the opposite of Spa really. 3. I always have a book on the go but really don't enjoy reading. It's a really laborious task for me but something i feel is a must and so i persevere. 4. I have taken 73 airplane flights in my lifetime and 1 helicopter flight. 5. I'm a big fan of vegetables. Leafy or flowery ones like brussel sprouts, cabbage, lettuce, broccolli and cauliflower are particuarly lovely! I now tag Colesy, Micah and Gregory posted by charlie | 4:32 PM | |
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