Players win matches

You know, I've known a few coaches in my time and there are two things that stand out with the successful ones.

- They have gifted players.

- They have the commitment of the players.

Put simply it's the players that win football matches.

Ferenc Puskas, was probably the most well known coach I've worked with. He's rated one of the 10 best ever behind the likes of Diego Maradona and Pele.

His time at South Melbourne in the early 1990's brought no less than seven trophies in three years including the NSL championship.

As players our instructions were simple. 'Dap, dap, dap, dap, dap and shoot the ball boys.' There was nothing too complex in that right?

The 'Dap' as he called it was the sound of the ball being played quickly around the park. He wanted quality in the movement of the ball and if we were anywhere within shooting distance, smash it! He picked players in positions that allowed them the freedom to express themselves.

Paul Trimboli was given the freedom to find space between the midfield and the strikers. Midfielders didn't know whether to go back in defence to mark him and defenders didn't know whether to go into midfield to mark him either. The result was total confusion for opponents.

He had 360 degree vision. It gave him the time to weigh up the options and pick the one that would hurt the opposition most. His final decision wasn't made until the split second he kicked it and even then he could change it at will. His touch suggested he had a gun in his boot. It was like the ball deflated from the gun shot as he controlled it.

His only flaw was his speed across the ground. We still laugh at the comment made by a coach at that time because it brought him down to our level of play.

"Be careful this player (Trimmers) is deceptively slow."

Frank Arok, well there's a story to tell.

He coached the national team for six years which included taking charge of what is arguably Australia's greatest victory. The Olympics of 1988 Arok master minded the defeat of the then Yugoslavia 1-0. All but guaranteed the gold medal they were put to the sword by the boot of Frank Farina 1-0.

The instruction was at times a blur as we couldn't understand what he was saying with that broken Hungarian accent. We did however respect him especially when it came to passion and planning. We trained in the car park of the St. George stadium in Sydney to get us used to the poor surface in Seoul.

We were pissed on the flight to the games because, well, Frank was; but that's another story. We tasted many things including success because we had gifted players like Crino and Petersen. We had speed in Frank Farina, the coolness of Alan Davidson and 'Goal-a-game' Arnie named so because that's just what he did.

There were many others who brought their own talent and commitment to the team despite the confusion.

Sir Matt Busby and the 'Busby Babes' were born in the halcyon days of the 50's. They were 16 and 17 year olds playing at the highest level and winning trophies. After the Munich air disaster Busby rebuilt the side to include the legendary Charlton, Law and Best and the memories of that era live on today.

Years on and Dennis Law testifies to the fact Sir Matt realised he had so much talent that to stifle them with too many tactics was not an option just letting them play was. They went on to win numerous league titles and Cups including the European Cup.

I'm not saying we go back in time; the game has changed.

Today they are all quicker, stronger and more tactically wise but the one thing will never change is that players win trophies.

No matter whom the next Socceroo coach is he'll be nothing without the respect, skill, intelligence and commitment of the players. So let's not fret over which coach it'll be.

It'll be their skill and commitment to that shirt that will win football matches - Australia 1 Nigeria 0.