Speed Buried Pen Thanks To His Dad

Last updated : 21 September 2005 By Matt Bottom

Veteran midfielder Gary Speed kept his cool to beat David James from the penalty spot with just seconds remaining in the City game on Sunday and the vice captain was spurred on by thinking about his dad.

"I just didn't think about it," Speed said. "I was getting a bit of barracking from the City players but my dad was in the stand and I was thinking about him and I don't know why, but I knew he'd be quaking and would probably not have been able to watch.

"So I thought about him and concentrated, just hoping to get a clean strike, and luckily I did."

Speed acknowledged that City were unlucky and that Wanderers had taken three points with a distinctly below-par performance.

But he has been around long enough to know the value of a victory, however it is achieved.

"Manchester City have got to count themselves unfortunate," said Speed.

"We were probably lucky to still be in it but, if you keep a clean sheet, especially away from home, you've always got a chance.

"We've got three out of six now, which is good and shows what you can do with a bit of luck and good defending.

"We haven't played well in the last two or three games but, if you're getting results when you're not playing well, it's a bonus.

"If we can start playing well and producing the stuff we were playing last season, we'll hopefully stay in the top six.

"I'd rather play indifferently and win or draw than play great and lose. Hopefully, when we do hit a bit of form, we can capitalise on it and get some more good results."

Speed also spoke to BBC GMR about the squad rotation system and how players are taking it on the chin.

"At a club like Bolton the team has got to come first if we are going to achieve anything," said the veteran midfielder.

"We have got a set of lads, who are probably better than most. There are not a lot of egos here.

"When people come off or are left out there is no sulking. They know it is for the good of the team."