Alsop: Time to show some bottle
JULIAN Alsop says it is time for Cheltenham Town's players to dust themselves down and show some bottle, writes Jon Palmer.
The born-again striker was one of the few players to emerge from last Saturday's 4-0 home defeat by Crewe Alexandra with any credit.
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Cheltenham Town's born-again forward Julian Alsop
With Cheltenham trailing 2-0, the hardworking Alsop headed David Hutton's cross against the bar in the 68th minute moments before Crewe scored their third to end any hopes of a Robins fightback.
But Alsop has blasted his team for the way they collapsed during the second half as they failed to win at home for a club Football League record ninth match in succession.
"For the first 20 minutes or half an hour, we were in the game and whoever scored first was going to win the game and I could sense that because both teams had chances," Alsop said.
"It was then disappointing because to be brutally honest we crumbled
"It's okay analysing DVDS, but deep down the lads know they let themselves down and the fans down.
"You have to show determination and show some bottle really and if you are not showing that then that's a massive part of life in League Two because football wise, there is not much between any of the teams."
Alsop needs one more goal to equal Martin Devaney's club record of 38 League goals for the Robins.
He is relishing every moment of his unexpected second chance in full-time football at the age of 36, but defeats like Saturday still hit him hard.
"I am loving it still and I enjoy playing football again, but I was a bear with a sore head on Saturday night at a party my mother-in-law's held," he said.
"I am still the most miserable so and so after a defeat and I care deeply about results.
"Even when I was playing for Bishop's Cleeve last season I used to have the hump if we lost.
"It's something inside you and you can't take that away, no matter what level you are playing at."
Cheltenham return to action with an FA Cup first round trip to fellow League Two strugglers Torquay United.
Alsop starred with four goals during Cheltenham's groundbreaking FA Cup run to the fifth round in 2002, when they were knocked out by West Bromwich Albion.
He is set to make his first appearance in the competition for the Robins on Saturday, since the defeat to Sheffield United in January 2003.
"We have to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves down and get on with it," Alsop said.
"It's a blessing in disguise having the FA Cup.
"It takes a bit of pressure off the lads and we can go to Torquay and perform and get back to the league the week after."
44 Comments
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by perliugi collina, not france
Thursday, November 05 2009, 4:23PM
“bob, you're a loser,
As much as it grates me, the rumour mill excites! it keeps supporters interested, as long as you take it all with a certain degree of scepticism, reality and realise nothing is true in football till it actually happens, just relax and enjoy it, maybe make a game or two as well booooooooooooob! every time i come on here and see your name i know it's going to be down in the mouth, demoralising stuff, be happy!”
by bob houghton, france
Thursday, November 05 2009, 4:12PM
“This is probably old news to most of you guys but many of the people who post on here are complete fantasists !! Keswick taking over, Cotterill taking over, had lunch with them, saw them all from my lounge window, decision by Wednesday. All complete tosh. Get a life guys - it has been so quiet from the club (and the Echo) we'll know when something happens without your pathetic flights of complete fantasy.”
by abe, Cheltenham
Thursday, November 05 2009, 2:34PM
“What was MA doing outside Club Thirteen Wedneday lunchtime? Applying for a job perhaps?”
by Desperate, Dan
Thursday, November 05 2009, 6:26AM
“You haven't spelt your name wrongly have you Chris?
Are you sure you're not Chris Hughton and about to be our new manager? We need you!”
by chris houlton, cheltenham
Thursday, November 05 2009, 12:33AM
“im all for alsop beeing captian like many of you have posted and said yourselfs. but theres one thing stopping that can he last 90 mins week in week out??? im not so sure he is!”
by IM, Thick
Wednesday, November 04 2009, 7:55PM
“Tony, not surprised Tunnel Vision lost the thread of your piece, it did ramble on a bit and became confusing.”
by Steve, CKings
Wednesday, November 04 2009, 7:23PM
“Surprised that JS apparently talks about possible signing of new loan player before the cup game on saturday - I thought FA Cup rules required a minimum of 7 clear days to be eligible?”
by Paul, Cheltenham
Wednesday, November 04 2009, 7:10PM
“Tony, I read your comment and I understood what you meant. Perhaps tunnel vision needs to slow down when they read?”
by Ron, Bristol
Wednesday, November 04 2009, 5:41PM
“Alsop is committed sure, but his commitment is in vain, he's a terrible player, i can't see how he's playing, and it's no suprise to me that since his strong involvement in the first team, Cheltenham have fallen down the table! He's slow and unskilled, when he leads the frontline it makes counter attacking almost impossible! I can understand why he's a fan favourite, but I can't help questioning his involvement!!”
by Rich, C&G Forever
Wednesday, November 04 2009, 5:31PM
“Had lunch yesterday with Baker, Cotterell, Allen and Gillespie. Oh, I nearly forgot and Mr Keswick (did I miss anyone else out ).
Martin Allen will take over as Chairman, Baker to move to Catering Manager, Cotterell to take over the Cat & Fiddle and Keswick to take charge of Gloucester City. Leaving us clueless, rudderless and with Gillespie planning a 70,000 all seater stadium for our first game in the Southern League.
The futures bright, it's Red and White.”