Shows what the little man can do

henry tapper

13 years ago

“It is one of them, and right at this moment of course it is the best. But to have between 17,000 and 20,000 fans supporting us, which is a relatively small club, on a small budget, this is what you can do. So if you have got big ambition for a little man, you can get this.”

That’s how Gary Johnson, probably the smallest manager in the league, concluded his interview following Yeovil‘s elevation to the Championship.

The “little man” can be variously taken as Gary, YTFC, the small football club or anyone who wants to make a difference with limited resources.

As approximately half the population of Yeovil was at Wembley , King Gary can properly be speaking for the town which has little else going for it at present (other than David Laws MP and Paddy Ashdown).

We need this small-man (and woman) affirming stuff.

As Gary points out, having the guts to go for it when everyone is laughing at you isn’t easy. He’d been written off after some bad managerial experiences but the moment he and Terry Skiverton teamed up last season, the mood around the Huish changed.

Alex Ferguson got the headlines yesterday, he played minor league football and knew what it was like to be the small man in a small league. He hasn’t lost that edge.

Every small man can have his day and the democratisation of media means that every small voice can be heard.

The future belongs to the Swanseas and Cardiffs and Yeovils and Newports and Wrexhams as much as the rich clubs of Manchester , Glasgow, Liverpool and London.

“The little man did good” – a few of those who I come across in business should think about that.