'The defeats can stay with you for the whole weekend' - Bo'ness United boss Max Christie reveals pain of losing can last much longer than joy of victory

The all encompassing, 24/7 nature of football management means that it can be rated as one of the most stressful jobs out there.
Bo'ness United gaffer Max Christie (Pic by Scott Louden)Bo'ness United gaffer Max Christie (Pic by Scott Louden)
Bo'ness United gaffer Max Christie (Pic by Scott Louden)

And, in a fascinating insight, Bo’ness United gaffer Max Christie has revealed the contrast in the impact of a victory compared to a defeat.

Christie has gone through a wide gambit of emotions recently. Bo’ness followed up their shock 1-0 Lowland League defeat to Vale of Leithen on December 11 and 4-1 league loss at Celtic B a week later with improved league results in the next two games, a 2-1 home win over Cumbernauld Colts and a 1-1 draw at Stirling University.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And rarely can the ‘up and down’ emotional nature of football management have been better illustrated during Christie’s BU tenure than last Saturday, when his team led 2-0, was pegged back to 2-2, had a man sent off in extra time but ultimately won 4-3 in a penalty shootout at Sauchie in the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup.

“The defeats far outweigh the victories,” Christie told the Journal and Gazette.

"Any victory lasts a few minutes and then you’re onto the next week.

"But the defeats last for the weekend.

“Or at least you’re glazed over sitting there having your tea in front of the missus for the night.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"But if you win it lasts about half an hour then you’re worrying about next week.

"Like anyone who runs a football team it’s the defeats that can be difficult.

" You’ve got to be able to manage them and cope with all that comes with it.”

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.