After Fensome leaves, Savage describes how the defender used strong under-21 performances to push his way into the starting lineup. On Sundays, the opportunity to obtain minutes is always extended to those who require them. “It’s their decision… But I always end by saying, ‘But I know what the proper answer is,'” grins Savage. “Mark Hughes taught me that trick at Wales!”
Savage’s ticking down a bit at 1.35 pm. Two players are late for a meeting to announce the lineup, which was scheduled to begin at precisely 1:30 p.m. He snaps, “I never was late once in my career.”
Savage is obviously engaged in an internal conflict: he should be concentrating on the FA Cup match against Witton Albion this afternoon, but his natural irritation is getting in the way.
“For whom are you acting when you react based on emotion?” Says Savage. I’ve learned from John that you only have yourself to benefit from. Positive emotions are fantastic because they give people individuality and energy. Although it’s arguably my best quality as a manager, it’s also my worst. It’s the one behavior I had to give up.
Eventually the team news is delivered. Ged Mills, the kit director who Savage recruited over a fish and chip supper, assigns the shirt numbers. It has become a weekly ritual.
Savage keeps his distance during the warmup, offering the occasional word of encouragement. Generally, though, he leaves McMahon and the club legend Peter Band to do their thing.
Twenty minutes before kick‑off, Savage heads to the sponsors’ lounge and takes the microphone. “All of you play a massive part,” he tells the room. “Richard Irving over there – who took my place in the 1993 FA Youth Cup final – called Danny Elliot the other day and told him he’d sort his boots for the season.”
He sings the club’s collective praises – “it’s not me, it’s not the lads in the dressing room, it’s all of us together” – before ending with humour. “My wife’s here for the first time so it must be a big game!”
Eight minutes from kick-off he is pacing the dressing room. He stops. He paces. He sits. A smile appears briefly before a sigh. Nerves? Yes. Absolutely – Savage cares. About his players, about the club, about the community.
