Dobie vows to take youngsters under his wing

May 10 2008 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

SCOTT Dobie has promised to do for Gary Madine what Horden’s Bob Taylor did for him to help guide Carlisle United into the Championship.

The Cumbrians take on Leeds United at Elland Road in Monday’s League One play-off semi-final first leg and striker Madine could have a key part to play having made his full debut only last week.

At 29, Dobie is a reluctant elder statesman but the Scottish international accepts he has a part to play in the highly-rated youngster’s development. “I didn’t really think experience meant that much when I was younger but it does help you in big games and stuff,” admits Dobie, who played for Nottingham Forest in last season’s play-offs.

“If involved hopefully I can rub a bit of experience off on the younger lads, the likes of Gary Madine and Camps (Darren Campion, who also made his first start against Bournemouth last week). I’m not much of a talker, really, I just try to do the best I can all the time rather than shout and holler at people. I might have a quiet word with Gaz every now and again, he’s the sort of lad who wants to listen. I remember when I was coming through the ranks at West Brom, Bob Taylor used to pull me to one side and tell me little things and it does help you as a young pro.”

While Dobie has never won a play-off final, team-mates Kieren Westwood, Peter Murphy, Danny Livesey and Chris Lumsdon are veterans of Carlisle’s 2005 Conference play-off-winning side. “They’ve come up through the leagues since and that’s testament to them,” said Dobie. “Westy has been here four years and he’s got two promotions, as have Murph, Danny Livesey and Chris Lumsdon. The lads have done really well to finish where they have this season.

“I’ve only been here for the last part of the season but I think the lads have done really well all season. They should be pleased with themselves.”