"Take the win today, lads, begins Gary Caldwell. Exeter City are two hours from kicking off against Manchester City in the FA Cup third round, and their manager is addressing his players at a hotel shortly before they travel to the Etihad. You know why I said that? he continues, his thick Scottish accent filling the room. No one knows. He explains the phrase is borrowed from Roberto Martinez, under whom Caldwell won the competition with Wigan in 2013."
"The words spilled out before Wigan's Wembley win against the same opponents Exeter are about to face, and they too are underdogs albeit to another degree or three. Sadly, Caldwell's manifesting proves ineffective. Exeter's staff begin their morning with a parkrun, a tradition whether home or away. David Perkins, Caldwell's first signing when he managed Wigan to the 2016 League One title, is always quickest, although his snoring doubtless slows stride of his roommate, Michael McBride, the head physio."
Gary Caldwell tells his Exeter City players to 'take the win today' as they prepare to face Manchester City in the FA Cup third round. He borrows the phrase from Roberto Martinez and uses humour to break tension among expected underdogs. The staff follow routines including a parkrun, carb brunch and a staff-only pre-mortem where permutations for winning, losing and drawing are modelled on a dressing-room whiteboard. David Perkins leads runs; Michael McBride shares a room with Perkins. Caldwell encourages collaboration, sits at the back in meetings, asks 'Anyone disagree?' and retains final authority while valuing input.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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