The Player's Colm Ó Riagáin looks at the captain's role in giving the team talk and how to inspire the troops properly. "A Leader is a dealer in hope. " Napoleon. You've just landed the captaincy - yeesss ! Next thought: Jaysus what do I say to the lads on Sunday afternoon. Maybe you've watched Robin Williams in Dead Poets' Society and fantasised about you're inspirational powers or maybe you remember the yawns when you did the best man speech last year!

Well, fear not - The Player is here to help. Start with the consoling thought that most captains do their talking on the pitch and then choose from the following menu options:

Confirmation
Remind the team of their individual and collective strengths, their qualities, the past triumphs and hard matches they've pulled through.

The Parish
Tell a real life story of what it means to the locals, their hopes and dreams. Remind them who it is they represent. Let's do it for the parish!

Inspirational stories
Tell a story of someone who has succeeded in the face of adversity  solo round the world yacht racers are in vogue. If they can do it, so can you.

Key Phrases
Find the phrases that capture the spirit of the mission, creates a feeling of superiority and reminds the entire team of the task in hand.

Quotes
Browse About.com for the quotes that'll lend breadth and gravitas to your talk. Use the words of great inspirators and enjoy the power of language.

Past Triumphs
Tell a story or recount a past glory, especially one where you've succeeded against the odds and done one over on today's opponents.  If Drico can say "We've done it before; let's do it again - why not follow suit. 

Expectations
Remind the team of what you expect from each and every one of them - without crushing them with burden. Let them know the person next to them won't let them down. Leave the tem in no doubt - enlist the quiet but utterly determined member to do this.

Vision
Create a vision of how you see the game being played out. Make the imagery rich and striking - use powerful mood music in the background (but choose carefully - avoid the theme music from 'Titanic' - Celine Dion is not what you want!).

At the Water Cooler (or more likely at the bar!)
What will the fans be saying about the game on Monday? Describe their feelings, emotions on winning. Be the talk of the town.

Dedication
Dedicate the game to Jim 'Roadstone' Rogers who single-handedly built the clubhouse, to the unsung heroes and sandwich makers - what the club means to them. Maybe talk of the sacrifice the families make to support the team.

Caution: The Player advises that the use of these options when captain of your Adult League 7 side on a persistent losing streak is inadvisable and can lead to prolonged derision