February
Newsfile

Newsfile Archive

Lennie Lawrence has admitted he made a mistake bringing on James Collins at right back for the closing stages of City's important 3 - 2 win over Wrexham. Collins came on for Rhys Weston who had a slight injury and it nearly ended in tears.

Collins was exposed and Hector Sam scored once and Wrexham went close again as Collins was found wanting.

The talk of the the relieved fans leaving the ground was that Lennie had, for the first time, made an error with a substitution.

How refreshing it was then to read Lennie's quotes the following day.

"I thought he could handle that, could Ginger (Collins)," said Lawrence.

"But in fairness it was too much to ask of him. Positionally, he got caught out for their second goal, and having come on he suffered a bit of a torrid time.

"But that's my fault really. I thought he could handle it, playing at right back. But I've learned something tonight.

"In hindsight, I should have brought Michael Simpkins and slotted him in at left-back, with Danny Gabbidon moving over to the right, but it was going so well down that left flank, I didn't want to change it.

"But it's an experience for James. If he is going to go on and succeed in the game, he needs to learn from that and take strength from it. It wasn't a comfortable experience for him, but hopefully it will stand him in good stead for the future."

Isn't it encouraging to have a manager who actually knows what he is doing and when he makes a mistake is man enough to admit it.