You're the Gaffer

Matchday build-up

Since the Heinrich allegations well over a month ago, the newspapers have been largely free of Brunton-related waffle. Sadly that does not last in cup final week - as you discover when munching your low-fat cereal with semi-skimmed milk, prepared by your overbearing wife. Your request for a full-fat fry-up was unsurprisingly and tediously rejected.

A broadsheet carries a massive interview with Darren Courtney in which the youngster reveals a disturbing lack of confidence, the fact that he and his girlfriend have been unable to settle in the north and that he is unsure he made the right move.

Some people can never be satisfied! An English Cup final, European football and still he’s unhappy!

After an unbearable Sunday with the in-laws, you are relieved to confront this matter head-on on Monday morning.

Courtney re-affirms everything he said - he really was more comfortable with previous club Stratham Town in the West Country.

So what do you do with Courtney? His form's been quite good of late, but even then he's been moping about like his job is the worst in the world.

Do you desperately attempt to build his confidence and reassure him he's good enough for this level? Or do you take the attitude he's obviously not cut out for high-pressure football and spare him the public glare of an cup final?

Do you:

Stick with him – class will out or

Don’t bother flogging a dead horse