Please log in or register. Registered visitors get fewer ads.
Rest for Matt and Hermann
Rest for Matt and Hermann
Saturday, 23rd Nov 2002 22:45

Town internationals Matt Holland and Hermann Hreidarsson have been given Monday and Wednesday off by manager Joe Royle. The pair were both involved in friendlies for their countries last week in addition to their Town commitments.

Holland, writing in his Independent column, says the trip to Greece was a long journey for a somewhat pointless fixture which added to an already hectic schedule: "Ten days ago I was in the Czech Republic for Ipswich's doomed Uefa Cup tie. We flew back, played on Sunday and I went straight to the airport to travel to Ireland to join up with the squad.

"We then travelled to Greece, enjoyed a two-hour coach ride to the hotel and trained. Wednesday evening was the match, and a two-hour drive back to the hotel afterwards was followed by another two-hour drive at 4am to the airport for the flight home.

"Arriving at Stansted Airport I headed for a taxi, sunk in the back seat and dozed off before the driver woke me up at home. It was 5.30pm on Thursday evening and my wife Paula's birthday.

"Out we went to a restaurant, down my head drooped as the desserts arrived, and it was back to bed by 9.30.

"I love my life and my job. We are paid extraordinarily well for doing something we love but that itinerary, considered solely on its own, is a tough one.

"Joe Royle, our manager at Ipswich, has given Hermann Hreidarsson and myself Monday and Wednesday off this week to catch up with some rest, much appreciated after yesterday's hard-fought win."

Holland also wrote about the penalty he scored in the Czech Republic for Town, a kick he says made him feel slightly better about his summer miss for Ireland in Japan: "I must admit, it was a big sigh of relief I exhaled on the jog back to the other players. I knew one day I would have to take another penalty in a shoot-out. The miss in the World Cup still hurts, but there is nothing I can do about it now."


Photo: Action Images



Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.


You need to login in order to post your comments

Ipswich Town Polls

About Us Contact Us Terms & Conditions Privacy Cookies Advertising
© TWTD 1995-2024