Keogh thanks Thorn

28 December 2011 09:14
Win a massive confidence boost

Coventry City's stand in captain Richard Keogh has said he has learnt a lot from his manager Andy Thorn and owes him a lot.

Keogh has been given the captain's job while Sammy Clingan recovers from his broken toe and was influential in the Boxing Day 1-0 win over Bristol City.

Speaking to the CT, Keogh said, “The manager has been fantastic with me. Knowing that he was a centre half as well and the type that he was, a fantastic player who had a great career, I have learnt a lot off him since he has been manager.

“Obviously being stand-in captain at the moment I am maybe a little bit closer to him so I am pleased for him because he has worked really hard and he deserves our win.”

The Coventry players have not tasted a win in 12 games and in the dressing room after their much needed win on Monday, there was relief and enjoyment.

“The feeling in the dressing room was one of real enjoyment, especially after the results we’ve been getting, but I felt this was coming given the way we have been playing,” said Keogh.

“We knew it was a massive game because Bristol are in and around us and to be fair to them they played quite well in the first half when we didn’t really get our game going, but fair play to the manager he made a few changes and tinkered with the system again and I thought we had the better of the play in the second half.

“We scored a goal and I think the most important thing was the way we saw the game out. In other games this season we have been naive and lost points and games because of it but we were very professional and we deserved it.”

The game didn't go according to plan and ended with City playing four centre halves in the back four when Thorn was forced into making changes when Cyrus Christie had to be substituted after suffering severe cramp and Chris Hussey was replaced at half time.

Keogh explained, “I think that experience was important, especially lads like James McPake who is just the sort of person you want coming on to the pitch because he gives his all and you know he’s going to be on the end of things when they come into the box.

“So he went on and helped us see the game out in a professional manner. The key thing now is to build on this. It is only one result. It was a massive result, especially with everyone else losing so the gap is down to five points now.

"It is pleasing that we kept a clean sheet and finished the game full of confidence and hopefully we can play like we did in the second half when we face Brighton on Saturday.

“We want to go and have a go at home, put a bit of pressure on and score some goals and get back to back victories.”

Source: FOOTYMAD