MB1980
UTC Legend
Brett used to get mangled on £1.50 mixers at Bliss and Toko back in day.
But he had a natural born talent for scoring goals. He was a proper striker imagine how better he would've been if he didn't go out on the piss, he'd be Henry
Yeah, I heard from mate of Howe that Pitman used to always return from pre season overweight, and struggling with fitness.
Howe was happy to give him extra tlc to get best from him. I suspect unlike many other managers would, as evidenced during time at AShton Gate. Excellent goal return there, bearing in mind in and out of team. But manager was replaced, and he quickly fell down pecking order. Like you say, natural ability was there, but clearly didn't have professional 'athlete' mindset, that the game was changing too during that era.
Pirlo book was interesting read along those lines. He didn't alude to drinking, poor life style, but he hated any fitness work, just wanted ball at his feet all the time, and wasn't interested in any dedicated fitness training.
Most managers gave him a pass, due to his obvious genius, whereas some saw it as bad attititude, not a 'team player', and he was frozen out at points.
Saw himself as an artist, talented footballer, not an athlete, and despised any running/fitness work. Had a serious issue with coaches that forced him into it and didnt share his point of view.