Alexander admits informing members of the squad they won’t be staying at the club is the toughest part of management.
But he insists being released is not the end – and is hoping they can all bounce back elsewhere.
Alexander cited his Valley Parade assistant Chris Lucketti as an example of a player carving out a long career having been initially shown the door.
“He got released at 18 (by Rochdale) and went on to play 700 plus games and played in the Premier League,” said the City boss.
There is nothing better than that if it isn’t how you deal with rejection and bounce back.
“Hundreds of people have continued to play after it occurred to them, including me later in my career.”That group includes some excellent players, and we will definitely see them again.”
Yesterday, after Alexander had spoken with every player to explain his selections, City released their retained list.
Being a manager and former football player, I can honestly say that this is the worst day of the year.
“I think I’ve been doing this for eleven or twelve years, and it doesn’t get any easier.
“We have to talk to the players as soon as the last game is finished since everything is hanging over your heads.
“Unfortunately, in football, it’s a necessary evil. It doesn’t make you feel better, but it’s a part of the sport and the game.”They’re all good guys, and you want them to continue doing good things in the future. There are some younger players and some more seasoned ones.”
On the other hand, a number of young players from the youth squad, including Noah Wadsworth, will now need to find new teams.
Alexander understands that not every participant will have anticipated it.
Younger players may not notice it as much since they aren’t as familiar with the starting lineup, he continued.
They don’t play every week or are left out, so occasionally I suppose they’re unaware of their status.
If they are near the first team, more seasoned players may be able to smell potential problems. However, they may still be thinking that “it’s not over.”
However, they are aware. I had one-on-one meetings with all of them, and they were all excellent.
“They are so good about it, which sometimes makes it worse for me that they understood my reasons and so forth.”
But that’s only a component of the game. Different athletes are at different stages of their careers, and being let go occurs occasionally.”But they are all good lads, so we really wish them the best.”
