NEW METHODS FOR CITY
Royle, realising that time is fast running out in their attempt to climb out of the relegation dogfight, called his squad in early on Wednesday in a bid to build up their motivation for the game with Liverpool.
The 1-1 draw against the Worthington Cup finalists seemed to prove that the diverse method seemed to have some effect, and Ireland international Dunne has admitted that, while initially sceptical, he was impressed.
"It was 9am and I was feeling a bit tired but, by the time he left, everyone was delighted," said Dunne. "We were all having a laugh and we were right up for it, hyped up and motivated.
"The first thing we saw was 16 planks of wood - normal, squad blocks of wood - and he said by the end of this session you will break through this with your hand. I was thinking 'yeah, right, good one.'
"Two hours later everyone just breaks through it with their hands. It was unbelievable.
"We were thinking we had no chance. This was solid wood, not fake stuff. He just said 'don't look at the wood, straight through it, there are no objects in the way.' And we did it.
"It demonstrated to us that, if you can do anything. It was amazing. It gave us a real lift and everyone was buzzing about it. He basically made us feel good about ourselves.
"He has been in a couple of times before, but this was the first time I had seen him. It is just about positive thinking, he gets rid of all negative thoughts.
"Our coach, Willie Donachie, is a great believer in all that motivational stuff. He wants us to hold our heads up, stick out your chest and act confident. It gives the impression that the team is playing well, it gives you a slight edge."
