Some Golden Soft Sombrero Moments with Mickey Peterson Peterson on being appointed coach of his beloved South Melbourne… Diegos: "You've been appointed coach of South Melbourne. Some would call it a plum job others would describe it as a jaunt in hell. You are one of the club's favourite sons. How do you feel about coaching a club you once played for?" Peterson: "It's a bit of a thrill. I had to pinch myself actually. I've probably had something to do with the club since the age of about 10 starting at the old Middle Park ground. I went on to spend the bulk of my career here as a player and now all of a sudden I'm cast into the role of football operations so I'm looking forward to the challenge. I suppose it is a bit of a hot seat but I definitely want to enjoy the experience." Soft Sombrero Moment July 2000
Diegos: "Angie Postecoglou's legacy at the club was one of success with back to back championships, the World Club Championship and obviously the best souvlaki's in the NSL. It is a culture of winning that you've inherited. Does that daunt you?" Peterson: "Yes and no. I'm a bit like that myself. I'm a pretty competitive sort of person and I like that kind of pressure. I think it brings out the best in people and I understand it. I would prefer to be in an environment where winning is expected to anything else. Mediocrity doesn't really sit well with me. So I'm fully aware of the expectation and the pressure that goes with it. The players have responded in the past and I saw a lot of what Angie has done and I'm just going to continue on with that with a little of my own style." Soft Sombrero Moment July 2000
Diegos: "You were fortunate to spend some of your football development at the famed Ajax Amsterdam. Other than the funny tasting cookies and the dubious motivational videos of naked women doing strange athletic things, what other aspect of Ajax do you hope to incorporate into the South Melbourne set up?" Peterson: "I've got a fairly clear vision of how I'd like football to be played. My views have had something to do with my education at Ajax. To be under the likes of Johan Cruyff and a few other star players at the time certainly form my views quite strongly. I'm a bit of a romantic with the way I'd like the football to be played. It's got to easy on the eyes and a free flowing game. I tend to be the type that likes to attack so I'll probably go with an extra attacker rather than a defender. So I'm hoping to provide a bit of entertainment for the punters as well as win some games and be successful. I think I can incorporate all those factors without using any of those dodgy videos the Diegos like so much." Soft Sombrero Moment July 2000
Diegos: "You were a headstrong player during your career. You apparently didn't mind the odd stoush with the referees and your coaches. Will you be the sort of coach that will shower the boys with motivational hugs and kisses or will you be saying it as it is with a bit of fire and brimstone?" Peterson: "To be honest I don't know because this will be my first coaching appointment. I'm going to have to let you know on that one. I'll give you a ring after my first team talk. I'm not too sure at the moment. I'd like to think that I'm pretty cool clam and collected but you never know." Soft Sombrero Moment July 2000 |