Among the alterations instigated by Stuart Pearce at the Carrington training centre were a new video analysis lounge, and a series of motivational messages dotted around the walls of the centre that are intended to inspire and focus the minds of the players.
Everyone on the playing and backroom staff is keen to carry on the good run that closed out last season, and the 18 year-old defender, who made such a big impact during that run, likes what he sees.
“I think the end of last season set us up for possibly a big season this year. I think the changes that the manager has made in Carrington over the summer can be very motivational and give us a sense of of the club moving forward.
“It is nice to see as the manager has got his own style and I believe it is one that is very effective.”
Nedum has had plenty of opportunities to see the changes at Carrington, and to absorb phrases like “Commit yourself to constant self-improvement” over the course of the summer due to his rehabilitation from injury.
Tearing a muscle in his hamstring at the very end of the final game of last season put paid to any thoughts of a break during the close season. Instead, the talented Nigerian-born player, who can play at right-back or in the centre of defence, has spent most of his time working with the physiotherapists.
But he has used this time to good effect, and he’s sure that the impact of the motivational messages will help him prepare to return to action both mentally and physically.
“We had these motivational messages in the changing room and now to see them up on the walls around Carrington it is with you all the time and they could help us this season.
“I think they work and I know some of them are starting to be with me all the time.”
