Don Hutchison is an ebullient character whose gregarious mature has proved infectious since his arrival at Coventry City in November.
However, even the supremely confident Hutchison admits that both he and his colleagues will endure a sleepless night awaiting Micky Adams' team selection ahead of tomorrow's clash with Sheffield Wednesday.
Coventry's run of three straight championship victories shuddered to an abrupt halt at Watford on Saturday. A 4-0 scoreline may have flat-tered the hosts, but it warned Coventry that any performance which sees them at less than full throttle will have severe ramifications.
Critics can point to Adams' decision to change his tactics and adopt a back three, rather then the more orthodox back four that has served them so well but Hutchison insists that formations are irrelevant and that it is the players who were culpable.
"The players should take responsibility," said the contrite midfielder.
"The manager gave us a system to play to and we worked on it during training, but weren't capable of implementing it in the game.
"It is our responsibility and I think everyone will be sweating over the gaffer's team selection for Wednesday now. No-one really came out of the game with any credit, so we will have to wait and see what the manager does.
"We had an experienced midfield out and we were disappointed with the way we performed.
"We should have done better and while Watford didn't play the best football, they were certainly effective."
Hutchison's appearances have been rationed since the arrival of fellow elder statesman Dennis Wise. Nevertheless, the 34-year-old is not about to rock the boat and adopts a pragmatic view to football in the 21st century.
And if that involves being influential off the pitch, as well as on it, then Hutchison is happy to play his part.
"I would like to play more often, but the gaffer has looked after me since I arrived at Coventry," he explained.
"Gone are the days when players would clock up 40 or 50 games a season. If I can have a positive influence in the dressing room, as well as on the pitch, then I am doing my job.
"It is important not to dwell on the defeat at Watford. Hopefully, it was one of those things and we have a chance to get put the record straight against Sheffield Wednesday."
