What Dunne can learn from the Special One

JOSE MOURINHO has said more than once that his three key audiences when dealing with the media are, in order of importance; his players, his players and his players.

Peter Canavan and Liam Dunne, accordingly, wasted no time this week in broadcasting a message to the men who will make or break them over the next couple of years. And the words chosen reflected much of what made both men supreme competitors on the field.

Canavan’s approach was textbook, all style, targeting his divided audience with the precision he once used to float points. “I’ll be starting with a clean slate.” No judgements, no preconceptions, everyone has a role to play, everyone feels valued.