Club news

Ruth Praises Players For Dealing With Demands

By Kieran Cleeves • 24 September 2018

Brighton & Hove Albion under-23 assistant coach Shannon Ruth highlighted the challenging demands that the team have had to deal with after reaching the top flight, but praised the players for taking the adaption in their stride.
 
The Seagulls head into this evening’s fixture against Leicester City at Holmes Park on the back of five unbeaten matches in the Premier League 2 Division 1, and Ruth commented on the added demands the players are experiencing.
 
He said, “The level of fatigue isn’t just physical, it’s mental as well - the information they're having to take in prior to a game and then the quality of player they’re playing against.
 
“Whether it be the quality of the opposition’s technical ability, movement or their brain - that’s certainly a testing aspect for the players and they’re certainly aware of that and dealing with the step up well.
 
“When we’re going into games, we’re not just looking at one or two threats from the opposition, we’re now looking at four, five or six threats - that’s the level we’re at.
 
“Overall, we’re delighted with where we’re at currently. There’s no doubt that the games programme is far more challenging than the one we faced last season.
 
“The level has certainly increased and it’s far more demanding of our players. But to sit where we are in the league, unbeaten after five matches, it’s a really positive start for us.”
 
Albion introduced Liam Rosenior into the coaching setup ahead of the current campaign, and Ruth expressed the enjoyment he’s had from working with the 34-year-old, who announced his retirement from playing and turned to coaching.
 
“It’s been brilliant. The addition of Liam takes us to another level, with him being a Premier League player only last season.
 
“For our players to have his experience to call upon and learn from, it’s another positive addition to where we’re at.
 
“Playing at the level he’s played at for the length of time he did, he has a set of skills and knowledge that is invaluable to the players.
 
“For me personally, he’s somebody to tap into and learn from. I come from a goalkeeping background and it’s been really positive for me.
 
“Simon [Rusk] delegates certain parts of training to each member of staff. We’re working well, with Will Abbott also –and with this level of cohesion from the staff, it allows the practices to be smoother and I’m enjoying the whole dynamic.”