Reflections on a memorable afternoon in Leicester
As the weekend fades away, I want to reflect on one of the best days in recent Posh times.
As I told my excited family on the way out of the King Power Stadium, these are moments to be cherished, especially when things have been so bad over the last two or three years.
The 3-1 victory might not quite make the best ever away day lists, but the trip to Leicester certainly was one to savour.
Awesome away day
More than 3,000 Posh fans made the trip to the Midlands, all buoyed by Robbie Savage’s infectious words since his appointment.
There was a pre-match excitement amongst the Posh fans not seen for a while, but the tone was really set a few moments before kick-off when Savage ran over to salute those supporters.
The early attacking and resulting goal meant the fans were buzzing from minute one, and that never stopped through a near 90 minutes of Posh bliss.
Heavy metal football
A big part of the joy just came from the simple fact we were watching fearless attacking football. Oh, it’s been a while.
A side that has looked so pedestrian and devoid of confidence in recent times was pushing forward with intent from all angles.
What a joy to watch.
Then the goals came.
Leicester had their chances, but that didn’t stop us. We kept pushing and probing, following Savage’s favourite command of ‘forward.’
At half-time the excitement was tempered by the fear that we would run out of gas. But that never really happened, and we were still creating chances into the dying moments of the contest.
Savage said he is willing to make decisive changes and did just that, using most of the squad as he replaced tired legs with keen substitutes.
Bodies everywhere
So much has been made of Savage’s attacking philosophy, but what really stood out was the tackles and challenges.
So many times, there was a man in a pink shirt making a strong tackle or throwing his body in front of the ball. Something not seen in these parts for a good while. The manager’s passion showing through.
Harley Mills is the best example, with an amazing performance not only going forward, but also in pressing and tackles.
Winning hearts and minds
The players deserve great credit for that performance, but Savage set the tone.
He has hardly put a foot wrong since his appointment was confirmed.
Many supporters – me included – were sceptical. But Savage has shown what the role means to him through his smart, savvy media and public appearances.
He is a man who wears his heart on his sleeve, oozing passion and unfiltered honesty.
Savage has clearly been well media-trained through a distinguished career, but you still have to put yourself out there.
I have no doubt he was a big part of the decision to live stream his announcement press conference and to host a fans forum.
He has also spent hours talking with media and fans, not only saying all the right things but with all the passion and humility of a man who clearly loves football and his new job.
That was no more evident than the scenes at the final whistle when he made the whole squad celebrate in front of the visiting fans.
What’s next?
Obviously one swallow doesn’t make a summer, but Savage has made a fantastic start.
He has made an immediate impact despite only a few days on the training ground.
It is going to be tougher to sustain these kinds of performances once the honeymoon period ends and tired players feel the impact of Savage ball.
But for now, let’s savour a brilliant performance. Away days like these don’t come around very often.
I am on board.
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