The current events require me to act just like the coach of the team who emerges victorious from the FA cup final. It’s match day. All the preparation has already been done before the game. Throughout the season, we have beaten most of our rivals already. It’s now to be left up to the players to go out there and do exactly as they have been drilled to do.
But right now we are behind.
Half time talk
It would be fair to say that the first half was brutal. We played well, but there were forces out there much greater at play. Now isn’t the time to explain exactly what’s gone on in the world, but briefly.
The world is panicking with Covid – 19 and Saudi Arabia has chosen this exact moment to try to reach for glory by killing off all opposition. Both its rival oil producers and to a fair extent its religious rivals in Coronavirus hit Iran. It isn’t the first time they have tried to kick opponents when they were down.
what would sir alex say
Alex was known to get angry when his team weren’t performing. His delivery and vile tongue became known as “the hairdryer treatment”. But in this game at half time, as a great coach he would be stressing that patience, stamina and all of our training will win the game in the end. He wouldn’t be shouting or throwing boots around the changing room on this occasion. He would be instilling belief in his players and insisting victory would be ours in the end.
two types of shares
Like most possessions in life, there are only two types of shares. Those that are for sale at the moment and those that aren’t currently for sale. None of the shares we hold in our portfolios are currently for sale.
It’s worth remembering that every share that got sold yesterday at a low price found a new buyer. Sellers didn’t dump them in the bin, they were bought by opportunists. I’m a believer that many sellers yesterday were forced sellers. They didn’t want to sell but had to. You see, there are many individuals, especially in the US, who borrow against their assets to then invest that sum in to the stock-markets. Short term gamblers. They know they have to repay those loans shortly (usually at the end of each quarter) and so elected to bail right now in case the short term got much worse. I expect more share price turbulence as we get closer to the last days of March.
The buyers yesterday I believe got a bargain. Maybe not obviously straight away, although today most markets are higher. No, in the medium term when Covid-19 just becomes the fifth know coronavirus which can be contracted by mankind. S Korea, Singapore and even China to some extent is already through the worst. In the UK we are just starting and numbers will probably equal Italy’s within 3 weeks. It’s easy to only see the short term at times like this.
only over when the fat lady sings
We are in the watching and waiting mode for now. Planning and revising our strategy. We will win the match because we have the experience, stamina and will to beat the opposition. We won’t jump too soon, neither will we bury our heads in the sand and do nothing. Substitutions will be required shortly, bringing on more fire-power at the crucial time.
As a team I have to say you have all coped with the disappointment very well, you have been drilled to. Remember Brexit and the 3 Greek melt-downs, you have remembered your training and always will.
As your coach I’m here for a one to one for each of you, if you really need it. If any of you have any doubt what comes next speak to me. Every shake-out ends with the next leg up, which usually lasts for years.
Oh, and please be careful out there.
Very motivating half time talk, thanks coach. You have my full confidence and support.
As many other older people will be doing at present, we are tending to stay in and making sure our Sky and BT sports are fully paid up ( great game on Sunday .. come on you Reds!). Of course we are getting out for walks in the countryside when the weather permits, but only doing essential shopping and making sure we have enough provisions for 7 days should we need it!
Oh yes, and we’re washing our hands a lot.
Howard, coach. Thanks for the reassurance. I’m sure it will bounce back.
We are glad we are on board and part of the team. Both team members are motivated and optimistic as always.