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SAM HITS 'EM FOR SIX!
Ballymoney & Moyle Times September 2008
CRAIG KIESWETTER: Four ingredients to success at Somerset
Published Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Khan passes out after training
The Sun June 2008
New fitness regime can be a winner - Sammy
Published 10th August 2007 – The Bolton News
RICHARDS' BRUTAL REGIME HAS KHAN READY FOR BATTLE
Daily Express
RICHARDS PREPARES THE MEAN MACHINE
Published Oct 2005
SIXWAYS TRAINING WILL BE `BRUTAL'
Published Sunday 28th Mar 2004. Worcester News
RICHARDS STAYS AT WORCESTER
Published Monday 1st Nov 2004. Worcester News
Revival of the Arwel Dodge
Published Sunday, 14 May 2000 - THE INDEPENDENT
The Biggest Gimmick in Strength and Conditioning
By Mark “the Student” Harmon for EliteFTS.com
Amir Khan in 'best shape' to face Gomez
Birmingham Post June 2008
The Education of a Strength Coach - Part I
Phil article on Charles Poloquin website
Swansea coaches gear up for fast lane in Europe
The Independant January 2001
Article: Amir's coach on his way
Ballymoney & Moyle Times Jan 2008
Bacon butty nutty
Birmingham Post Dec 2004
Pearls from Powell push Khan towards world title dream
Guardian UK June 2008
Kahn's coach to pass on wisdom at Sports Awards
Ballymoney & Moyle Times August 2008
Seminar info
Hoganstand April 2008
Lee's fragile grip at Bolton is weakening
Independent.ie October 2007
It's the return of the Kingsholm stalwart
Worcester Oct 2005
Big Macc is Back
Boxing News July 09
CRAIG KIESWETTER: Four ingredients to success at Somerset
Published Wednesday, May 20, 2009
At Somerset County Cricket Club every single individual is involved, whether they are a player or a backroom staff member.
And everybody at the County Ground is buying into the principles and reaping the benefits of the following four concepts – trust, loyalty, discipline and hard work.
At our club we believe that without discipline and hard work we won't reap the enjoyment and benefits that winning matches brings.
That is why at our club there is a real sense of always trying to get better in every facet of not only cricket, but also everyday life.
We believe that consistency, not only on the field but also off it, is a key ingredient to an individual's overall performance.
A healthy diet and understanding of nutrition is equally as important as having throw downs.
We have been fortunate enough to bring in some of the best to teach us how to become better, to become healthier, with regards to our diet and general living.
We were lucky enough to have a seminar with Phil Richards, the famous physical trainer and nutritionist, who taught us the importance of consistent diet and liquid intake.
We have also formed a partnership with Q-Link, a company that provides necklaces and bracelets aimed at calming the body, building antibodies and keeping the body on a consistent level regarding emotions and performances.
Our squad is bigger than most and in my first year at Somerset a lot of players were brought to the club. Building a squad takes time and it is obvious that our squad is maturing. We astutely understand our roles in each format of the game and what we can offer to the squad on and off the field.
A cricket club is like a company. Three years ago we were starting a new company, with a new management and a new squad.
Over the three years since each player has got to understand and work out what every other player is like – what they need to tick, to rest, to have a laugh, or even an arm around the shoulder and a gentle word of encouragement.
Our management has always been honest with us – there aren't any hidden agendas and they really do have the best interests of the club at heart.
Everyone at the club desperately wants to see success and silverware back in Taunton, and our form so far in the Friends Provident Trophy – a competition in which we have a home quarter-final to look forward to on Saturday – really is encouraging because it proves that hard work really does pay off.
At Somerset County Cricket Club every single individual is involved, whether they are a player or a backroom staff member.
And everybody at the County Ground is buying into the principles and reaping the benefits of the following four concepts – trust, loyalty, discipline and hard work.
At our club we believe that without discipline and hard work we won't reap the enjoyment and benefits that winning matches brings.
That is why at our club there is a real sense of always trying to get better in every facet of not only cricket, but also everyday life.
We believe that consistency, not only on the field but also off it, is a key ingredient to an individual's overall performance.
A healthy diet and understanding of nutrition is equally as important as having throw downs.
We have been fortunate enough to bring in some of the best to teach us how to become better, to become healthier, with regards to our diet and general living.
We were lucky enough to have a seminar with Phil Richards, the famous physical trainer and nutritionist, who taught us the importance of consistent diet and liquid intake.
We have also formed a partnership with Q-Link, a company that provides necklaces and bracelets aimed at calming the body, building antibodies and keeping the body on a consistent level regarding emotions and performances.
Our squad is bigger than most and in my first year at Somerset a lot of players were brought to the club. Building a squad takes time and it is obvious that our squad is maturing. We astutely understand our roles in each format of the game and what we can offer to the squad on and off the field.
A cricket club is like a company. Three years ago we were starting a new company, with a new management and a new squad.
Over the three years since each player has got to understand and work out what every other player is like – what they need to tick, to rest, to have a laugh, or even an arm around the shoulder and a gentle word of encouragement.
Our management has always been honest with us – there aren't any hidden agendas and they really do have the best interests of the club at heart.
Everyone at the club desperately wants to see success and silverware back in Taunton, and our form so far in the Friends Provident Trophy – a competition in which we have a home quarter-final to look forward to on Saturday – really is encouraging because it proves that hard work really does pay off.
New fitness regime can be a winner - Sammy
Published 10th August 2007 – The Bolton News
SAMMY Lee makes no apologies for wanting Bolton Wanderers to be the fittest team in the Barclays Premier League.
A wind of change has blown through the Reebok since the new Whites boss took up the management reins 102 days ago, and one of the moves that has had the biggest impact has been the introduction of a new fitness regime.
And while the overwhelming majority of players have taken the change in their stride, there have been rumours that one or two have not taken kindly to the new manager's methods.
But today, in a revealing interview with The Bolton News, Lee, pictured, explained why, in his view, a shake-up was necessary.
He claimed life at the Reebok had become too comfortable for some and highlighted statistics from last season to support his case that tough decisions had to be taken.
"A lot of people recognised that there were changes that had to be made," he said.
"This is a fantastic football club and it had become a very comfortable football club for people to be at.
"But 17 points gained from New Year's Day, 69 per cent of our total points gained by the end of December, tells you something was not right and needed to be addressed, whether it was attitude or fitness, and the first thing that we've looked at is fitness."
Combined with the switch to a flexible 4-4-2 formation, the new fitness regime has given the squad of players Lee inherited from Sam Allardyce plenty to get to grips with since they returned from their summer holidays. A succession of backroom resignations suggests that the new manager has knocked a few noses out of joint, but Lee is unrepentant and vehemently refutes claims in one newpaper that his management style has been questioned by senior players.
"I won't apologise for introducing a fitness regime that is second to none and to that end, Damien Rhoden, our fitness coach, and Phil Richards, our strength and conditioning coach, are now vital cogs in the machine," he said.
"Apart from anything else, one thing I would like is for Bolton Wanderers to be fit and, no disrespect to what has happened before, I think those statistics speak for themselves.
"I accept that change can often be difficult for some people to adapt to, but the players have taken to it fantastically well.
"It's not been easy for them because, while there have been many changes on the field there have been an awful lot of changes off the field.
"I've had to set up a new medical team headed up by Richard Freeman (formerly club doctor and now head of sports science and medicine) and with Dave Galley, who has vast experience of working with England U21s and Liverpool, as our new physio.
"I believe I have recruited for the better - and I don't wish that to be a criticism of the previous regime."
Despite adding 11 players to the squad that - Tal Ben Haim apart - took Wanderers to their fourth successive top-eight finish and qualified for the UEFA Cup, Lee admits there are still areas that need strengthening and, although nothing has come of speculation that key players Jussi Jaaskelainen, Kevin Nolan, El-Hadji Diouf and Nicolas Anelka could be on their way, he knows that situation could change before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
There is still a distinct possibility that Abdoulaye Faye could join Sam Allardyce at Newcastle, if the Magpies match Wanderers' valuation; Stelios, although currently injured, is rumoured to be a target for Sheffield United, and there has been talk that Ivan Campo is one player told he is no longer regarded as a first team regular.
Lee is determined to cover all eventualities.
"People might think I've signed a lot of players but I have to make sure we have competition for places and enough players to be able to adapt to whatever system I play," he said.
"I wanted to adopt a 4-4-2 system because I thought the previous system had become too easy for the opposition to combat. I've brought in players I feel are capable of adapting to a number of systems but I know that some players were comfortable with the previous style and will find it difficult to adapt.
"So it might be that players who can't adapt will go, nothing should surprise you in football."
Although refusing to identify the players concerned, Lee confirmed: "I have had discussions with certain senior members of the squad regarding where they fit into my plans and, because I've got so much respect for them, I don't want them to be just sitting around the subs' bench.
"I won't name names but that might become clear from my team selections. People will be disaffected because they are not in the team, but that's always the case, you can only pick 11. But the discussions must be kept in-house.
"I won't deviate from that because I believe that is the right way. I'm honest with people and all I ask if that people are honest with me.
"There are going to be problems along the way, but every football club encounters problems."
SAMMY Lee makes no apologies for wanting Bolton Wanderers to be the fittest team in the Barclays Premier League.
A wind of change has blown through the Reebok since the new Whites boss took up the management reins 102 days ago, and one of the moves that has had the biggest impact has been the introduction of a new fitness regime.
And while the overwhelming majority of players have taken the change in their stride, there have been rumours that one or two have not taken kindly to the new manager's methods.
But today, in a revealing interview with The Bolton News, Lee, pictured, explained why, in his view, a shake-up was necessary.
He claimed life at the Reebok had become too comfortable for some and highlighted statistics from last season to support his case that tough decisions had to be taken.
"A lot of people recognised that there were changes that had to be made," he said.
"This is a fantastic football club and it had become a very comfortable football club for people to be at.
"But 17 points gained from New Year's Day, 69 per cent of our total points gained by the end of December, tells you something was not right and needed to be addressed, whether it was attitude or fitness, and the first thing that we've looked at is fitness."
Combined with the switch to a flexible 4-4-2 formation, the new fitness regime has given the squad of players Lee inherited from Sam Allardyce plenty to get to grips with since they returned from their summer holidays. A succession of backroom resignations suggests that the new manager has knocked a few noses out of joint, but Lee is unrepentant and vehemently refutes claims in one newpaper that his management style has been questioned by senior players.
"I won't apologise for introducing a fitness regime that is second to none and to that end, Damien Rhoden, our fitness coach, and Phil Richards, our strength and conditioning coach, are now vital cogs in the machine," he said.
"Apart from anything else, one thing I would like is for Bolton Wanderers to be fit and, no disrespect to what has happened before, I think those statistics speak for themselves.
"I accept that change can often be difficult for some people to adapt to, but the players have taken to it fantastically well.
"It's not been easy for them because, while there have been many changes on the field there have been an awful lot of changes off the field.
"I've had to set up a new medical team headed up by Richard Freeman (formerly club doctor and now head of sports science and medicine) and with Dave Galley, who has vast experience of working with England U21s and Liverpool, as our new physio.
"I believe I have recruited for the better - and I don't wish that to be a criticism of the previous regime."
Despite adding 11 players to the squad that - Tal Ben Haim apart - took Wanderers to their fourth successive top-eight finish and qualified for the UEFA Cup, Lee admits there are still areas that need strengthening and, although nothing has come of speculation that key players Jussi Jaaskelainen, Kevin Nolan, El-Hadji Diouf and Nicolas Anelka could be on their way, he knows that situation could change before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
There is still a distinct possibility that Abdoulaye Faye could join Sam Allardyce at Newcastle, if the Magpies match Wanderers' valuation; Stelios, although currently injured, is rumoured to be a target for Sheffield United, and there has been talk that Ivan Campo is one player told he is no longer regarded as a first team regular.
Lee is determined to cover all eventualities.
"People might think I've signed a lot of players but I have to make sure we have competition for places and enough players to be able to adapt to whatever system I play," he said.
"I wanted to adopt a 4-4-2 system because I thought the previous system had become too easy for the opposition to combat. I've brought in players I feel are capable of adapting to a number of systems but I know that some players were comfortable with the previous style and will find it difficult to adapt.
"So it might be that players who can't adapt will go, nothing should surprise you in football."
Although refusing to identify the players concerned, Lee confirmed: "I have had discussions with certain senior members of the squad regarding where they fit into my plans and, because I've got so much respect for them, I don't want them to be just sitting around the subs' bench.
"I won't name names but that might become clear from my team selections. People will be disaffected because they are not in the team, but that's always the case, you can only pick 11. But the discussions must be kept in-house.
"I won't deviate from that because I believe that is the right way. I'm honest with people and all I ask if that people are honest with me.
"There are going to be problems along the way, but every football club encounters problems."
RICHARDS' BRUTAL REGIME HAS KHAN READY FOR BATTLE
Daily Express
By Frank Wiechula
WHEN that dark, dangerous time comes in a fight, forcing Amir Khan to dig deep into his soul, deeper than he has ever had to previously, he will know he is ready.
The man who would be king has been brutally put through his paces, had the limits of his mental and physical endurance tested as never before, in preparation for the pivotal moment which could turn him into a world champion.
So much so that the Commonwealth lightweight title holder – who defends his crown against Manchester’s Michael Gomez at Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena tonight – has even passed out under the severity of the torturous training regime he has undergone.
The man who has pushed him to the limit is renowned strength and conditioning coach Phil Richards.
The ex-army man has worked with big-name rugby union internationals such as Martin Corry and Andy Gomarsall, Swansea , Worcester, Wigan and Leicester rugby teams, Bolton Wanderers FC and a host of cricketers and Olympic athletes.
Richards, who also lectures golfers on the PGA Tour on getting in the right frame of mind, is full of admiration for his boxing charge.
He said: “I want to take him to uncomfortable places where he has never been before in his fights – places that I know he will be and when he is there he will know what to do. I have seen that this guy has a big, big heart. I only do it [push him that hard] every two or three weeks. I pick a moment and then I put him under so much pressure just to see how he reacts.
“These sessions are three times harder than his fights and that is good for his confidence. Once you have been pushed somewhere and been able to deal with it then you have the strategy to get out of a corner in a live situation.
“He has passed out in training for this fight. It was the intensity, or I like to call the brutality, of the work-out.
“And there have been other times when he has not come out of the dressing room for a couple of hours. He has sat there, head in hands, no doubt contemplating the meaning of life. People might look at Amir Khan and think he is really nice, but I can tell you he is as hard as nails.
Unbeaten Khan, 21, who aims to fight for his first world title by the end of the year, said: “Phil has made me do sessions and when I have finished them I don’t know where my head is.
“But it is good to feel like that because in a fight I know I will feel like that at some stage. I have never felt the pain or exhaustion that I feel with Phil.
“There have been some sessions that have been so tough, I wanted to hide in a corner because there were another five sessions to do.
“He takes you to an uncomfortable zone but I need to know how I feel when I am in it. I feel more focused than ever, stronger than ever, too.”
By Frank Wiechula
WHEN that dark, dangerous time comes in a fight, forcing Amir Khan to dig deep into his soul, deeper than he has ever had to previously, he will know he is ready.
The man who would be king has been brutally put through his paces, had the limits of his mental and physical endurance tested as never before, in preparation for the pivotal moment which could turn him into a world champion.
So much so that the Commonwealth lightweight title holder – who defends his crown against Manchester’s Michael Gomez at Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena tonight – has even passed out under the severity of the torturous training regime he has undergone.
The man who has pushed him to the limit is renowned strength and conditioning coach Phil Richards.
The ex-army man has worked with big-name rugby union internationals such as Martin Corry and Andy Gomarsall, Swansea , Worcester, Wigan and Leicester rugby teams, Bolton Wanderers FC and a host of cricketers and Olympic athletes.
Richards, who also lectures golfers on the PGA Tour on getting in the right frame of mind, is full of admiration for his boxing charge.
He said: “I want to take him to uncomfortable places where he has never been before in his fights – places that I know he will be and when he is there he will know what to do. I have seen that this guy has a big, big heart. I only do it [push him that hard] every two or three weeks. I pick a moment and then I put him under so much pressure just to see how he reacts.
“These sessions are three times harder than his fights and that is good for his confidence. Once you have been pushed somewhere and been able to deal with it then you have the strategy to get out of a corner in a live situation.
“He has passed out in training for this fight. It was the intensity, or I like to call the brutality, of the work-out.
“And there have been other times when he has not come out of the dressing room for a couple of hours. He has sat there, head in hands, no doubt contemplating the meaning of life. People might look at Amir Khan and think he is really nice, but I can tell you he is as hard as nails.
Unbeaten Khan, 21, who aims to fight for his first world title by the end of the year, said: “Phil has made me do sessions and when I have finished them I don’t know where my head is.
“But it is good to feel like that because in a fight I know I will feel like that at some stage. I have never felt the pain or exhaustion that I feel with Phil.
“There have been some sessions that have been so tough, I wanted to hide in a corner because there were another five sessions to do.
“He takes you to an uncomfortable zone but I need to know how I feel when I am in it. I feel more focused than ever, stronger than ever, too.”
RICHARDS PREPARES THE MEAN MACHINE
Published Sunday 30th Oct 2005.
PHIL Richards will today begin the task of turning Worcester into National One's mean machine.
The newly-installed Worcester Rugby Club fitness coach met up with the Sixways squad today as the players reported back for pre-season training.
And the former Swansea coach will leave them in no doubt that they face a hard month ahead as he sets the emphasis on making the squad a more powerful unit.
Worcester were criticised last season for lacking a physical edge in the two title showdowns with Rotherham.
However, after a few months with Richards, Worcester's director of rugby John Brain believes that reputation will be a thing of the past.
"Phil will leave the players in no doubt of what he wants to see," said Brain. "He has a reputation for producing very physical teams and that is what we want. July will be a hard month for the players.
"It will be hard, physically demanding and intense work. Phil will make a lot of demands of the players, quite stringent physical demands.
"His emphasis will be to make the players more powerful while getting their diets right. I think Phil is aiming to make the squad 10 per cent stronger per man and if he gets that right then, obviously, we will have a much stronger team."
Worcester's free-flowing game demands that the players are fit and nimble so Brain admits it will be a balancing act to get them more muscular but keep the speed.
"There is a lot of running in our game so we can't lose that," he added.
"Phil will make the players leaner and stronger. Rugby can be a game of attrition and we need be a stronger team, stronger in the tackle area and able to dominate physically."
PHIL Richards will today begin the task of turning Worcester into National One's mean machine.
The newly-installed Worcester Rugby Club fitness coach met up with the Sixways squad today as the players reported back for pre-season training.
And the former Swansea coach will leave them in no doubt that they face a hard month ahead as he sets the emphasis on making the squad a more powerful unit.
Worcester were criticised last season for lacking a physical edge in the two title showdowns with Rotherham.
However, after a few months with Richards, Worcester's director of rugby John Brain believes that reputation will be a thing of the past.
"Phil will leave the players in no doubt of what he wants to see," said Brain. "He has a reputation for producing very physical teams and that is what we want. July will be a hard month for the players.
"It will be hard, physically demanding and intense work. Phil will make a lot of demands of the players, quite stringent physical demands.
"His emphasis will be to make the players more powerful while getting their diets right. I think Phil is aiming to make the squad 10 per cent stronger per man and if he gets that right then, obviously, we will have a much stronger team."
Worcester's free-flowing game demands that the players are fit and nimble so Brain admits it will be a balancing act to get them more muscular but keep the speed.
"There is a lot of running in our game so we can't lose that," he added.
"Phil will make the players leaner and stronger. Rugby can be a game of attrition and we need be a stronger team, stronger in the tackle area and able to dominate physically."
SIXWAYS TRAINING WILL BE `BRUTAL'
Published Sunday 28th Mar 2004. Worcester News
WORCESTER Rugby Club's new fitness guru has promised his players a `brutal' time in training.
Phil Richards immediately made his presence felt yesterday at Six-ways as Worcester's promotion-chasing squad reported back for pre-season training.
The former Swansea coach left the players in no doubt that he meant to turn Worcester into a lean, mean, fighting machine as they go head to head with Orrell and Bristol for the National One title.
"I want to develop a powerful Worcester team," he said. "In the past they've been fit but I want more than that. I want fit but very, very powerful.
"That was the premise of my five years at Swansea when we developed quite a brutal team. That's what the game of rugby is all about. It's about brutal physicality.
"The whole training concept is about preparing players physically, mentally, nutritionally and changing their lifestyles.
"That is the key foundation for life whether you're a rugby player or a person who works in the bank. Nutritional lifestyle will drive the whole programme."
Richards, a qualified nutritionist, is determined to revolutionise the players' lifestyles to prepare them for his training regime.
"There are a few fundamental principles," he added. "What I am looking at is how much stress the system can take. There are effects on the body if you don't have the basics in place.
"For example. If you're eating poor quality foods from microwaves you are giving yourself a problem, if you're going to bed past 11pm you are missing out on some quality repair time and if you're drinking tap water -- which in my opinion is pretty poor quality -- you're getting a lot of stress before you even start training."
Once the diets are in place, the players are set for a training programme with the emphasis on strength.
"I want to develop a big, hard, powerful Worcester team. That is the bottom line for me. If we've got any soft guys in the team then they'll be found out. The programme is geared for power. I want us to be playing a power, running game.
"My background is the army and what I want from the players is honesty. If they mess me about, they will pay a price. The players will enjoy the training but it will be brutal."
WORCESTER Rugby Club's new fitness guru has promised his players a `brutal' time in training.
Phil Richards immediately made his presence felt yesterday at Six-ways as Worcester's promotion-chasing squad reported back for pre-season training.
The former Swansea coach left the players in no doubt that he meant to turn Worcester into a lean, mean, fighting machine as they go head to head with Orrell and Bristol for the National One title.
"I want to develop a powerful Worcester team," he said. "In the past they've been fit but I want more than that. I want fit but very, very powerful.
"That was the premise of my five years at Swansea when we developed quite a brutal team. That's what the game of rugby is all about. It's about brutal physicality.
"The whole training concept is about preparing players physically, mentally, nutritionally and changing their lifestyles.
"That is the key foundation for life whether you're a rugby player or a person who works in the bank. Nutritional lifestyle will drive the whole programme."
Richards, a qualified nutritionist, is determined to revolutionise the players' lifestyles to prepare them for his training regime.
"There are a few fundamental principles," he added. "What I am looking at is how much stress the system can take. There are effects on the body if you don't have the basics in place.
"For example. If you're eating poor quality foods from microwaves you are giving yourself a problem, if you're going to bed past 11pm you are missing out on some quality repair time and if you're drinking tap water -- which in my opinion is pretty poor quality -- you're getting a lot of stress before you even start training."
Once the diets are in place, the players are set for a training programme with the emphasis on strength.
"I want to develop a big, hard, powerful Worcester team. That is the bottom line for me. If we've got any soft guys in the team then they'll be found out. The programme is geared for power. I want us to be playing a power, running game.
"My background is the army and what I want from the players is honesty. If they mess me about, they will pay a price. The players will enjoy the training but it will be brutal."
RICHARDS STAYS AT WORCESTER
Published Monday 1st Nov 2004. Worcester News
PHIL Richards has signed a new contract at Sixways.
The fitness coach, who came to Worcester Rugby Club in the summer, has extended his stay.
The former Swansea fitness guru has revolutionised the training methods at Worcester this season and his contribution has been one of main reason's behind the power play which has dominated the championship campaign.
"He's made a significant contribution this season," said director of rugby John Brain.
"It wasn't an easy decision to bring in a new fitness coach in the summer but I think it's been proved to be the correct one.
"Phil has introduced a lot of fresh ideas to the club this season from nutrition and diet through to training techniques and strengthening procedures.
"Obviously, after this season, we wanted to make sure the coaching continuity was in place before any thing else was done and it gives us a great platform to move forward.
"Phil, like all of us at Worcester, are relishing next season. It's a very exciting time to be part of the club and Phil has played a big part in this season's success."
PHIL Richards has signed a new contract at Sixways.
The fitness coach, who came to Worcester Rugby Club in the summer, has extended his stay.
The former Swansea fitness guru has revolutionised the training methods at Worcester this season and his contribution has been one of main reason's behind the power play which has dominated the championship campaign.
"He's made a significant contribution this season," said director of rugby John Brain.
"It wasn't an easy decision to bring in a new fitness coach in the summer but I think it's been proved to be the correct one.
"Phil has introduced a lot of fresh ideas to the club this season from nutrition and diet through to training techniques and strengthening procedures.
"Obviously, after this season, we wanted to make sure the coaching continuity was in place before any thing else was done and it gives us a great platform to move forward.
"Phil, like all of us at Worcester, are relishing next season. It's a very exciting time to be part of the club and Phil has played a big part in this season's success."
Revival of the Arwel Dodge
Published Sunday, 14 May 2000 - THE INDEPENDENT
Arwel Thomas is not going to Canada with the Wales development squad this summer. Instead he is going to China with a club called the Penguins. When you are no longer the flavour of the month, or even the millennium, they put you on a slow boat to Shanghai with a flightless bird.
A couple of things then happened to the baby-faced destroyer. First his wife Clare gave birth to a daughter, Nia. "It's a big part of my life. It means more responsibility and I have to plan my time around her." And Phil Richards, Swansea's fitness coach, introduced the squad to a series of cassettes, containing comments from sportsmen like Muhammad Ali, Rocky Marciano and Pele, which are designed to give the players something to think about."I have been listening to Ali talking about taking risks and that you won't get anywhere if you don't," Thomas said. "You take bits out of it and use it in your training schedule. Something seemed to gel. I think it's helped to dig us out of a hole. Certainly, over the last three months we've been performing a lot better and all of a sudden my belief is back. I haven't spoken to anyone about it, I'm not that type of person. I just believe I can do it again. You live and learn
Arwel Thomas is not going to Canada with the Wales development squad this summer. Instead he is going to China with a club called the Penguins. When you are no longer the flavour of the month, or even the millennium, they put you on a slow boat to Shanghai with a flightless bird.
A couple of things then happened to the baby-faced destroyer. First his wife Clare gave birth to a daughter, Nia. "It's a big part of my life. It means more responsibility and I have to plan my time around her." And Phil Richards, Swansea's fitness coach, introduced the squad to a series of cassettes, containing comments from sportsmen like Muhammad Ali, Rocky Marciano and Pele, which are designed to give the players something to think about."I have been listening to Ali talking about taking risks and that you won't get anywhere if you don't," Thomas said. "You take bits out of it and use it in your training schedule. Something seemed to gel. I think it's helped to dig us out of a hole. Certainly, over the last three months we've been performing a lot better and all of a sudden my belief is back. I haven't spoken to anyone about it, I'm not that type of person. I just believe I can do it again. You live and learn
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