Gold medal winner to pass on words of wisdom to Magpies...
The Notts County players will receive a motivational speech from a gold medalist before stepping onto the pitch against Portsmouth.
Richard Whitehead, Nottinghamshire's own gold medal winner in the Paralympic Games, will be the club’s special guest at the game on Saturday.
Richard, a double leg amputee, achieved a dramatic win in the T42 200m race in front of an 80,000 crowd at the Olympic Park, at the same time breaking his own world record.
“From what I know of the man, he is a very inspirational character and I know he’s used to speaking to groups of people as well,” said Curle, whose team are third in npower League 1 heading into the match.
“I think there will be a motivational atmosphere in the changing room before we go out.
“We’re lucky that we’ve only got to go out there and play football. At the end of the day it’s a game of football.
“I’ve had some different managers that would use the ‘in the trenches’ speeches, depending on different times you would go out.
“Did it affect how I performed? Ultimately, no. Did it change my mindset? Me, as an individual, no, because I was focused.
“I wasn’t focused on a Saturday, I was focused on a Thursday, I did my planning and preparation for who I was playing against early.
“Then I was relaxed because I was comfortable with the knowledge that I had.”
He continued: “We’ve had different things done, when I was at Man City, comedians got brought into the changing rooms to lighten the mood before derby games and things like that.
“Different managers try different things and I take it on board, but the timing of everything has got to be suitable for all parties.
“The main focus is that the players are going to go out to have a game of football.”
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