All the best players do the simple things well - the basics.
Additionally, more often than not, the best teams do the basic things well. Flair and attacking initiative are allowed of course, but a certain number of principles and beliefs are strictly adhered to.
Good coaches can outperform their budgets by instilling these principles into the subconscious of their players.
Do the basics well and the rest will take care of itself.
Shelbourne, sitting comfortably at the top of the league, eight points clear of second-place Sligo Rovers, are under way on a journey of gradual improvement.
From sitting in eighth place at this same stage last season to the league's peak speaks volumes of the substantial shift under Damien Duff's leadership.
The stats paint a vivid picture of Shelbourne's start to the season: six wins out of eight, with the remaining two matches ending in draws. They haven’t conceded more than one goal in any game so far this season.
The foundation of this early season success is multifaceted, relying on incredible fitness levels, clever tactical coaching, a strong defensive showing and a clear belief instilled by Duff and assistant Joey O'Brien.
The duo's combined work ethic and footballing beliefs – the basics, have been seamlessly absorbed by the team, presenting into performances that resonate with a solid structure and an indomitable will to win.
Shelbourne fans find themselves with a defence that finds joy in the art of defending. Sean Gannon and Paddy Barrett, both of whom carry title-winning experience, alongside the energetic Tyreke Wilson and the league’s current standout young player in Gavin Molloy form a formidable backline.
They complement each other, work hard for each other and are supported by the league's most reliable goalkeeper.
As an attacker, there is no better feeling than being able to attack with freedom and take risks in the right areas of the pitch, knowing any errors are likely to be mopped up by a reliable defence.
The re-signing of Will Jarvis from Hull and the strategic loan signing of Liam Burt from Shamrock Rovers have injected a dose of creativity and flair which is needed to challenge for honours. Their input into this Shelbourne side will help elevate the performances of other attacking players like Matty Smith and Sean Boyd
Mark Coyle typifies the team's work ethic. He is reliable and leads on the pitch, while playing that midfield role aggressively. His improved fitness levels and understanding of his role are a direct reflection of the management team. Duff and O’Brien are improving their players
Shelbourne’s involvement in Europe this season, and other clubs' stronger squad depth, provide them with their biggest challenges in their title push.
Duff will be looking over his shoulder now at the turn in form of Shamrock Rovers and St Pat’s. I’m sure he will be playing down his chances of winning the title publicly, but I imagine he will be expressing a different message to his players in the away changing room of Weavers Park this evening.
But Duff is also communicating with fans and the wider public whenever possible, having become perhaps the unlikeliest and most high-profile champion of the League of Ireland.
A little over a decade ago when he was starring in the Premier League, who would have foreseen he would be one of the FAI's most forthright critics and league's greatest advocates.
As fans of the league, we find ourselves in fortunate times, witnessing a chapter in Irish football that could very well dictate the direction of the sport in the country.
In Duff, we have more than just the Shelbourne manager, but a man worth listening to, a bit of a mad man to some, who's passionate love for his club and his players has come as a surprise to many.
After all, have we ever seen a manager who finished fourth in the table prompt the ownership of a club to change hands?
In this post-Brexit landscape, we are at a critical juncture in Irish football. Duff’s vocal advocacy for increased State investment in the league and, in particular, investment in our academies is bang on the money.
The future success of our national team is intertwined with the development of our underage players at academy level.
These players are going to learn the ropes starting out in the League of Ireland. Within the next decade or so nearly every player representing Ireland will have gained crucial experience by playing in our league. The league is so important. It needs improved facilities. It needs investment.
If we as a nation want to qualify for tournaments and see players representing Ireland like the Damien Duff’s of the past then this investment must happen. To stand still is to go backwards.
The trajectory of the League of Ireland is on an upward slope, yet it stands on the edge of what could be a transformative era, should his calls for investment materialise.
Duff won’t be the only person to thank if this investment comes to light, but we should be grateful that one of Ireland’s most decorated footballers is consistently banging the drum.
Investment in the league and our academies is not just about nurturing the next generation of Irish talent; it's about elevating the league to new heights, ensuring its sustainability, through player sales and creating a better product on the pitch which gets bums on seats and, ultimately, contributing to the success of the national team on the international stage.
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