I think Pritch has been realistic for a few seasons now, in that if somebody better comes along and takes his place then he wont have any complaints. I think he would be upset to lose his place while he still considered himself to be performing.
I don’t think he expects to play every game this season, but if he is fit and performing well then there is no reason why he shouldnt.
The main thing is that he makes the decision on when to retire in his own time, and that the decision is not made for him. He has worked hard on his fitness this summer, and says he is feeling good.
He has been down at the ground for the last 2 days putting in new goalposts and marking out the pitch ready for tomorrow. How many players at any level would you find doing that?
Well said Robbo. Eli, Pritch maybe a lot slower than he was but no one blocks as many shots in a season than he does, and not because of his size, because of his dedication to the cause. At corners I would prefer to have him defending than any other player we have had in the last twenty years. With a quick sidekick he has at least another full seaon left in him at this level in my opinion and I think Mr. Ogden will agree with me.
WHS.
I must say sorry to Mr Albion for at times taking him for granted.We have a man who knows how to get through football matches and guide those around him through games.I have often thought that other players have needed more praise than Brian but you just have to take your hat off to the man.
For the second summer running,we see him undertaking numerous maintenance tasks and yet he still prepares himself in a professional manner for the season ahead on the pitch.He is everything we all could wish for at our club.
Brian could score a sublime own goal on the final day of the season that cements our relegation to the Vodkat League and i would not think less of the man.In other words he can do no wrong.
I know a few days after we lost to Telford in the play off final, he was down painting the kerbstones red and white.
Then the summer before our relegation season, he was down painting most nights.
The day Mike Moseley played for the supporters team, Pritch couldn’t make the game as he was painting the dug outs!
Everybody recognises the achievement and continuity of Ryan Giggs at Man Utd. Not wishing to debase Ryan’s achievement the difference here with Pritch is -:
Ryan gets a shedload of money every week- I think Pritch plays for nowt!!
I doubt Ryan helps with ground maintenance Pritch does and more beside.
I guess Ryan might be an approachable guy but Pritch definately is I know he’ll talk to you anytime and I bore him to death with loads of tales from my fifty two years of supporting the club yet he still talks to me.
Pritch is pure GOLD I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again surely there must be some kind of National FA award for players with his kind of loyalty and comittment.
The members of the present England team would do well to use Pritch as a role model on how to conduct themselves.
Looking at the present Centre Half situation, (embarrasment of riches), we have Kearns who is a good player, Ryan Broadhead can play there, and I’m impressed with Ben Harrison who is a talent we need to nurture and bring on as I think he will become a really good player. So who better a role model than Pritch to do this. Thats why I’m glad Pritch has taken on coaching duties. Obviously the day will come when Brian will retire from playing so its important that we see him gradually evolve into another role with us to ensure he stays with our club after his playing days are over. I also see Brian as a future member of the board because he’s an intelligent bloke who is sharp and has a sense of humour.
What better ambassador could you have than a guy who has played over 700 games and remained so loyal to the cause for 16 years. It all been said before but Sir Brian Pritchard your’e the tops.
See you tonight to swap notes on the Rugby League!!
This is a serious comment, why doesn’t someone put him forward for an official honour? An MBE or CBE would be the least he deserves, people get knightshoods who are less deserving than Pritch. I understand anyone can nomnate someone, I just don’t know who you contact, anyone know?
WHS.
I totally agree with what you are saying WHS. They always seem to give awards to nomarks who earn a lot of money yet there are lads out in foreign parts risking life and limb who get nothing on the MBE,CBE etc front. I would have thought THE FA could do something to recognise a footballers achievement if he’s given say 10 or more years service to one club and played more than say 400 games.This shows a level of consistency and in Pritch’s case 16 years with 700 plus games deserves some kind of recognition like a medal or something!! They’d rather cosset these blokes on 100k plus a week in the Premier the majority of whom are’nt even English. It might be worth a go with the FA might have a look to see if they have a website with a suggestion box. The Cheshire FA headquarters on Moss Farm might be a starting point!!