TUFC head coach Gary Owers has hit the headlines this week for a wasted journey to scout Saturday’s opposition, Maidstone United.
The Gaffer and Head of Recruitment Dave Hedges travelled to Kent for Tuesday night’s match where the Stones were due to play National League leaders, Macclesdfield Town. Unfortunately, delays on the M25 meant that most of the Maidstone first team couldn’t make the game and the match was postponed.
Sky News picked up on the story and spoke to Gary live on Sky Sports News on Wednesday.
Despite the long wasted journey the Gaffer takes things like this in his stride. He prioritizes going to watch the opposition himself, because he says it is the best way to prepare for games.
“You can watch a video and you don’t see everything, you only watch the ball,” said Owers. “You don’t see what is going on in front of the ball; you don’t see what is going on behind the ball. Sometimes you just turn up to see the surroundings. I went to Ebbsfleet to see them and we got a result there. I went to see Maidenhead at Stockport – we got a result there. You just always feel better [watching the game yourself]. You get all the videos but you don’t see everything, you only see that snapshot.”
Another trip on Wednesday to watch Bristol and Charlton Athletic U23s was complicated by a venue change. It’s all part of the highs and lows of the game for Owers.
“It’s part of the job. If I wasn’t driving up there then what am I doing? You get a chance to see them. People say you’re mad, or you’re this and that when you get there, and I think, I’m not really, it’s what I should be doing.”
The Gaffer will be returning to Maidstone along with the first team for Saturday’s National League match against the Stones. We need as many of the Yellow Army there to support the team as possible. If you can make the match then please get behind the lads!
Maidstone United Vs Torquay United | 10/03/18 | Kick-Off 3pm | For travel and entry prices click here.