Remember Mipo – Dec’s been there before you
By top CandH blogger Allen Cummings
Ademipo Odubeko’s introduction to the game as a 54th minute replacement for Andriy Yarmolenko went some way to satisfying the calls of those who have been demanding the teenager’s inclusion over recent weeks – his withdrawal in extra time wasn’t so well received in some quarters.
One sports programme presenter who loves a ‘headline’ as much as he likes the sound of his own voice labelled David Moyes’ decision a disgrace and claimed it could ruin the player.
Charlie Austin, who happens to play the game, so he knows a bit, having experienced the highs and lows of a footballer’s life himself, actually defended the West Ham manager. “This will probably help him (Mipo) in his career going forward,” said Austin.
“It’s part of football. I don’t think Mark Noble will allow it to affect him too much.” And former Hammers favourite Trevor Sinclair tweeted: “Go again Ademipo.” With an emoji to stay strong.
No-one is pretending it won’t have been an unpleasant experience for the youngster. But football can be a tough place and there are numerous lessons to be learned.
David Moyes is rightly proud of his record of bringing youngsters through the ranks. There is no way he would have done anything on Tuesday evening if he didn’t feel it was right and justifiable.
He brought Mipo on at a time he felt was right – and similarly he took him off when he felt it was right – not only for the player but the team.
Odubeko has already shown an admirable maturity with his own comments after the game tweeting: ‘A lesson learnt and experience gained that I can only thank the manager for. Time to step it up.’
Almost four years ago at St James’ Park a fresh-faced 18 year old by the name of Declan Rice lined up with West Ham against Newcastle United.
During the first half he made a simple mistake which cost his team a goal. Declan was distraught by his error and it showed in his play.
At half time manager Slaven Bilic had seen enough and withdrew him. Slav took some merciless stick for his action that day. But he did what he felt was right for the player at the time.
Only Declan will know how that incident affected him. But the evidence we see now suggests if it did, it wasn’t long-lasting, and probably even benefitted him.
Chances are Rice will have had his own quiet word with Mipo to share that experience – and as Charlie Austin suggests so too will Nobes – it’s what good captains do. The advice to Mipo will be listen to the players and staff around you, and to the manager who’s behind you, and switch off that radio at the earliest opportunity.