You Can forget trophies and titles. The attitude of Gary Hamilton’s men is why the Glenavon boss fears nobody in the Danske Bank Premiership.
The former Glentoran and Northern Ireland striker also insists his squad have the best psychological approach of anyone else in the league.
“Of course we haven’t got the talent or the quality which one or two other sides have,” Hamilton said, ahead of Saturday’s clash with champions, Linfield.
“We haven’t got the most talented side in the league. But we have the best attitude of anyone.
“I think it’s mostly a generational thing. Many of the younger players seem quick to pass the buck.
“Players of my generation would always hold their hands up and admit when they’ve had a bad game. I want every one of my players to have the confidence and integrity to be held accountable if necessary, and I believe they do.”
The 31-year old was appointed manager of the Lurgan Blues - his boyhood club - in December and registered as player/manager the following month.
Since then, he has done everything he can to share his knowledge and experience, gleaned from a 15-year playing career, with his new crop.
Not least because, according to Hamilton, the right mindset can make the difference between a lifelong career in the Irish League or securing a dream move to further afield.
“We have young players on our books and they are all showing the right approach.
“Cristiano Ronaldo may get stick for being a moan and a sulky kind of player, but he also is completely driven. He may not be seen as the biggest team player but his determination rubs off on the rest of the team.
“Brendan Shannon, our captain, is on for making his 100th appearance for the club and it’s hard to believe he’s still just 23. But he’s a massive influence and role model for the teenagers we have here.
“It makes all the difference. The players who leave Northern Ireland, go on trial across the water or who even go to a club for a while, end up coming back and it’s usually because they don’t have the right attitude.
“There’s no shortage of quality. It’s the man, the brain and the heart behind all that.”
Hamilton admits he was fortunate to have not curtailed his playing career by stepping into management at a young age, but he dismisses suggestions he’s trying to stay in the game for as long as possible.
“That doesn’t come into it,” he said.
“If I wake up and feel unable to play anymore then I’ll give up and let some younger ones take over. In the meantime, players like me, Eddie McCallion and Kyle Neill are here to share our experience.
“We have to carry on playing to set examples, and that works for everyone. But I won’t try and stay in football any longer than I am capable.
“To be honest, there are still things I am learning about my game. Or rather more frequently, there are times I mess up and I fully expect players to be able to tell me when they think I have.”
Man-management, even with the backroom know-how of Nigel Law and Paul Millar behind him, doesn’t always come naturally to Hamilton - but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.
The striker says he hasn’t changed whatsoever since making the step up to gaffer, a deliberate move perhaps, so as not to alienate his team-mates.
But while he’s the one they’re still out to impress, Hamilton says he can’t take the credit for any improvements.
“Training is definitely one less thing for me to think about because Windy and Nigel take care of it,” he said.
“I am happy they look after that. I still need to train as a player so I can’t keep an eye on the squad during sessions. It doesn’t help to be honest that they’re still taking the rise out of me!
“I’ve always been a very vocal kind of player, however, and I would still demand excellence as a manager the same way as I did when I was only playing.
“We’re a team and we all need to pull one another along, just as I’d expect criticism from them, if it was warranted.”
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