Reo-Coker Out to Instil Crazy Gang Spirit
Saturday, 20th Oct 2012 06:00

The famous Crazy Gang culture at Wimbledon could inspire Ipswich to climb the Championship if Nigel Reo-Coker has his way.

Town’s new arrival has recalled his time at Plough Lane, where he launched his playing career and witnessed some of the outlandish antics that helped to foster the Dons’ unique team spirit.

Reo-Coker, 28, was just a nipper when Wimbledon won the FA Cup in 1988 but 11 years on, as a youngster on the club’s books, he was given an insight into the behind-the-scenes pranks that played their part in the club continuing to punch above its weight.

He said: “I remember when they signed John Hartson from West Ham and on his first day at the club the other lads burned his clothes.

“Back then the main men were Neil Shipperley, Ben Thatcher and David Connolly, but the Crazy Gang thing started by the likes of Vinnie Jones, who had just left when I first went there, was still going strong.

“What’s lacking in the English game these days is that sort of passion. Of course the game has developed but you could still have that passion influencing the modern game.

“It’s all very well trying to play the passing game that Spain play but you still need the British mentality of team spirit and togetherness. The brotherhood is missing in dressing rooms now.

“Quite a few things happened when I was a youth team player — Lee Martin knows about them as well because he was there and we played a few tricks on him.

“I was brought up on all that and it was one of the best times of my whole career. That’s when I learned about football. Nothing against the foreign players, but they just don’t have the same passion as the English lads and understand what it means to play for your team.”

Photo: Action Images

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BlueBoots added 07:33 - Oct 20 "The brotherhood is missing in dressing rooms now." Good luck in trying to improve that at ITFC, Nigel; unfortunately, you've joined a club that should have a revolving door fitted to the dressing room - must be close to 100 players now in and out of ITFC since the start of the ME era...
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bigolconnor added 07:55 - Oct 20 Careful lee Martin looks like there could be a cup of water with your name on it above a door somewhere. Deep heat in the cecks anyone?
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buryblue77 added 09:39 - Oct 20 This is what we need, some inspiration and leadership, someone to instill a fighting quality in the players. Too many players who don't care and most of them seem to be heading towards Ipswich in recent seasons. Come on Nige, show our boys what passion and winning is all about. COYB!!!
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levington added 09:52 - Oct 20 OMG, give a rest. You're just a bunch of mercanaries trying to get your faultering careers going again.
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Mark added 11:06 - Oct 20 I like what he is saying, but remember he has only signed a THREE MONTH contract so I am not sure what that says about commitment to Ipswich's cause.
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blue_enough added 11:16 - Oct 20 Oh Nigel you're so naughty! Maybe you should steal Cleggs Filofax and doodle in it- you could draw a football, it might confuse him though Nigel because he doesn't really understand does he Nigel! But also it's not the eighties Nigel so I'd imagine he might not use one.
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warbeat78 added 11:20 - Oct 20 Mark I think that the 3 month contract was more than likely a mutal agreement,taking into account of all issues with club at moment. Hopefully both parties here will achieve what they set out for,then see where they sit and what there needs are .COYBsss!!!!
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