Nuttal has improved Gor Mahia
What you need to know:
The Scot has also been able to give a new lease of life to 2010 KPL Player of the Year, George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo who, since rejoining Gor, seemed just like any other ordinary player.
Williamson preferred to use ‘Berry’ on the wings, perhaps because of his terrifying pace, but Nuttal moved him to his favourite central attacking position and he seems to be enjoying it and the fans too! Nuttal has been in charge for just six games and is yet to lose, has won two matches and drawn four but I dare say that if he was in charge since the beginning of the season, Gor could have by now won the league, no disrespect to Sir Bobby Williamson.
When Frank Nuttal was appointed head coach of Gor Mahia few months ago, many doubted his ability, rightfully so because he is relatively unknown in the world of football.
But Nuttal has managed to change Gor in just six matches so far. The team is now playing attractive football and the fitness levels of the players has improved.
Gor’s previous coach, Bobby Williamson, was never a fan of attractive football. He only cared about squeezing a win in whatever way possible. He preferred the ball to be played more in the opponent’s half and not the other way round.
No possession football
Therefore this meant no possession football, only ‘long balls to the strikers’ as they try to score a goal or two, if lucky.
This somehow worked but the “Green Army” was only enjoying the positive results but rarely did they get to witness attractive football from ‘WuonTimbe’
Then came the man, Frank Nuttal. Word on the street was that he had been working as a fitness instructor in the UAE but Gor gambled and handed him a short contract after Williamson was appointed the Harambee Stars and yes… the gamble has paid off, Gor is well on its way to retaining the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title.
Unlike before, Gor is no longer playing ‘thup-thup’ football. The players seem to be confident on moving the ball around and building play from behind, playing beautiful football and winning matches … perfect combination!
Changed game plan
He has also managed to convert Geoffrey Walusimbi (arguably Gor’s fittest player) into an offensive midfielder.
The Ugandan loves to move forward and take on defenders and that previously caused problems as there was no one to cover him once he overlapped but the clever Nuttal drafted the disciplined Kevin Oluoch into the left-back position and moved Walusimbi forward.
The Scot has also been able to give a new lease of life to 2010 KPL Player of the Year, George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo who, since rejoining Gor, seemed just like any other ordinary player.
Williamson preferred to use ‘Berry’ on the wings, perhaps because of his terrifying pace, but Nuttal moved him to his favourite central attacking position and he seems to be enjoying it and the fans too! Nuttal has been in charge for just six games and is yet to lose, has won two matches and drawn four but I dare say that if he was in charge since the beginning of the season, Gor could have by now won the league, no disrespect to Sir Bobby Williamson.
Otherwise, it’s a game a time for ‘WuonTimbe’, three points as the other title contenders keep dropping points. Giniwasekao!
