The TOYOTA men

The second in a multiple part series providing insight into the daily live of a Belgium G.A.A. player.

Estimated # on squad; 5 (but with the presence of 10)

These are the type of dependable foot soldiers which every successful army is built on. Disciplined, dedicated and reliable. They make up the workrate deficit left by the Eurobrats.

We have Crusher, Rochey, Davy and Barry. Stevie G is currently chasing tail in Toyota city. I think Crusher is in Body Evaluation, strength and reliability. Rochey is in Body Design, how appropriate given his role as team nutrition/hydration consultant. Davy is in HR, obviously to leverage his diplomatic skills. Barry works in Quality, says it all.

06h30- The alarm clock goes but the Toyota member (this is what employees are referred to at Toyota) is already sitting up in his bed wide awake. He marches into the kitchen and cracks two raw eggs into a pint glass and devours them in one go. Into an ice cold shower to steel himself for the day. The Yaris is revved up and off to work he goes.

07h30 - The computer is booted up and the water bottle is filled. The emails are tackled quickly and efficiently before the days tasks are noted on the writing pad next to him. No time for chit chat, straight to it.

12h15 - The young member goes down stairs (note the use of the stairs rather than the lift) and grabs a sandwich and some fruit. No time for dilly daddling, he runs back up the stairs to his desk.

12h30 - There are but a few crumbs left of the lunch when the work restarts. Head down.

15h00 - The second litre of water is finished off. A quick trip to the canteen for a well timed pre training banana. Back to work.

19h30 - PC is put in shutdown mode. He leaves chased by a shadow of guilt but such is his respect for timekeeping he knows where he has to be.

19h45 - The car pulls up to the training pitch and he quickly togs out.

20h00 - Training is delayed as the group awaits the arrival of the Eurobrats. This does not sit well with the Toyota members. Once it does get going, the members maintain total focus and discipline throughout the session, doing their best to encourage their less strongly willed teammates.

21h45 - A quick shower back in the appartment followed by the bowl of pasta prepared the evening before.

23h00 - The lamp is switched off and another day is brought to a close.