Character. By dictionary definition it means ‘the particular combination of qualities in a person or place that makes them different from others,’
The other meaning of character is ‘the quality of being determined and able to deal with difficult situations’ and clearly we are going to need that more than ever over the next three months.
I think it is fair to say that most people were hoping for more incomings in January than Peter Kioso, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Eunan O’Kane.
I’m sure it wasn’t for the want of trying that only those three came in, but as luck would have it we have Glen Rea, Izzy Brown and Danny Hylton back now, and they feel like new signings having been out for so long.
All three have bags of character and are going to be massively important if the Town are to pull off the great escape, and preserve our Championship status this season.
It is no surprise that the return of Rea and Brown have seen performance levels improve immeasurably. They have key qualities that others don’t have.
Rea is a leader and perfect for that holding midfield role, able to do his own job with class and assurance, inspiring those around him to up their game, while also freeing up key players such as Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu to influence the play much further up the pitch.
Brown has that unique ability to take passes when surrounded by opponents and still deliver the quality that can hurt the opposition, while Hylton offers that striker cover that has been so sought after throughout the campaign.
All three have already made an impression since their return, and you would think there is more to come from them with the more minutes they get under their belt.
The Town are going to have to show a lot of character if we are to remain in the second tier this season, so it is huge to have the high profile trio back on the pitch.
