I'm not a loudmouth - I'm just here to win

Sep 7 2007 By Nick Davis, Birmingham Mail

NIGEL Reo-Coker has turned up the volume in Villa's dressing room, but insists: "I'm not a loudmouth, I just shout to win."

A succession of managers in recent seasons have complained about a lack of noise from the players, with Villa proving to be something of a soft touch.

Reo-Coker has changed that, quickly finding his feet and his voice to bark out a constant stream of orders from the heart of Martin O'Neill's midfield.

The former England Under-21 captain is fast becoming a big influence at Villa Park and is happy to play his part.

He said: "I've noticed that we are quite quiet at times and I'm happy to make my voice heard, but I also know it's sometimes about actions not words. It's about me reading the game and knowing when to talk and when to act.

"Talking is something that's always been a part of my game.

"Anyone that truly knows me, knows it's one of my gifts and it's something I've been doing from a very young age. I've always been the loudest mouth on the field and that's a part of me - it's something I can't hide away from.

"I wouldn't say I'm constantly ranting and raving. The game's moved on now and you have to know your team-mates. You have to know how people will react. Some players need a rollicking and some players need to be encouraged a bit more."

He continued: "When I played at West Ham I barked out the orders to people like Teddy Sheringham - a massively experienced player who knew what he was doing.

"But I don't have any problem with that. The large majority of my colleagues have been older than me, but I've still been very demanding and talkative on the pitch.

"They've accepted me as that, because that's me. I have a determination and a will to win.

"That's what it's all about. It's all about going out there and winning - nothing else matters," he added.