The Wonder Of Sky Blue- A Steven Pressley Appreciation

I saw Steven Pressley play a few times for Coventry including his only goal in a narrow home defeat by Man Utd. But after just 19 appearances for the club he went back to his native Scotland.He was filed in the vast Sky Blue category of players known as, "He was a real trier but......" It is one of the biggest files in the known universe.

However, Pressley went on to have a distinguished career in Scotland before catching the eye in management at Falkirk. Particularly impressive was his ability to nurture young players into consistent first team performers. When Coventry were betrayed by Mark Robins, they somewhat surprisingly appointed Pressley, ignoring the application's of many ex bosses with English league management experience.

In truth, apart from a million puns on his surname, Coventry fans were too jaded by off field calamities to get excited by the new man at the helm. The much documented feuds and fiascos triggered by club owners and council continued unabated. A ten point deduction scuppering play off hopes, a further identical points penalty for the new season seemingly triggering a survival battle at best before a ball was kicked. Desperate times.

But Pressley adopted a impressive tactic called, "Just getting on with it." Last season rendered academic by the points loss, he used the final games like an audition for those he felt would play a future part in his plans. In truth, nothing suggested what was to come at the start of this season which was like a explosion of bright paint on a blank canvas deviod of inspiration.

A threadbare young team began to turn in a series of outstanding, even astounding performances. Goals flowed in a manner not seen in years. Even the massive handicap of playing "Home" games in Northampton in front of sparse crowds failed to hold them back. By the end of September the ten points deduction had been wiped out and the team were out the relegation places and on the rise. It was all as astonishing as it was unexpected.

There were many refreshing aspects to Pressley's methods of management. His heart on the sleeve touchline passion was one. Not for him, the lack of acknowledgement of a goal, much favoured by the modern boss. His fist pumping celebrations said that it mattered to him just as much as it mattered to the supporters. Nor was he shy of letting opposing managers and match officials the extentof his desire.

Then there was his grasp of the modern tactical game. A high pressing system was adopted, a aggressive positive outlook even when opponents had the ball. Players who had previously looked ordinary were inspired. Still off field issues were in abundance and still he ploughed on regardless, with a total nailed on vision of getting the most out of himself and his players.

It was like he did not just want his team to better themselves but deepen themselves as well. To take on a new adaptability as fresh challenges arose. Of course, there was and will continue to be disappointments and setbacks. Goals were conceded on a far too regular basis. But even this has led to a habit of a goal deficit being no barrier to victory.

There are still numerous problems at the club. It is tragic many fans have barely witnessed much of the most refreshing season in years. But it's to Pressley's credit that cameras have turned to great goals and player celebrations as well as off pitch protests and politics. In short, a breath of fresh air has breezed in amid the stench of double dealing and back stabbing.

There is a long way to go. Steven Pressley knows this. He is a realist but also an idealist who knows how he wants the game to be played. It's an heady combination. And for a old school centre half his approach is very much of a new order where bright passing and ball retention is all. His positivity is an object lesson to all in an otherwise sorry saga. It is something we should be grateful for.