Bristol City boss hoping for inspiration from Catley

Bristol City boss Gary Johnson is to tap into the secrets which helped Glenn Catley become the region's first world boxing champion.

Stapleton-born Catley reached the top of his profession when beating Marcus Beyer in Germany to claim the WBC super-middleweight title in May 2000.

He has since retired from the ring to concentrate on a career as a chartered psychotherapist, delivering inspirational talks to audiences throughout the West Country.

Believing his charges can learn from Catley's methods, City manager Johnson is sending assistant boss Keith Millen and several first-team players to Filton College Campus Theatre to hear the former world champion speak next Wednesday.

Johnson wanted to attend himself, but the Filton event clashed with a League Managers Association meeting.

He said: "I intended going myself and I'm disappointed I won't be able to make it. But quite a few of the staff are going with Keith Millen to see what Glenn has to say.

"We are all aware of what he achieved during his career and I've been told his talk is aimed at inspiring and motivating people.

"I'm a big believer in such methods and we use our own people to come in and talk to the players from time to time. But I'm always on the look-out for new ideas and a fresh opinion and that's why we're sending our lads to Filton."

Representatives from Bristol Rovers and Bristol Rugby Club will also be present and Catley is planning to speak for up to three hours before taking questions from the floor.

Catley said: "My aim is to help develop skills and confidence using the experience I gained as a boxer. I went from being a 13-year-old amateur to a world champion and I could not have done it without using hypnotherapy.

"It helped me overcome failure and setbacks by eliminating negativity and remaining positive no matter what obstacles were placed in my way.

"Not only can my experiences help sportsmen, but also people from all kinds of other professions.

"I'm delighted Bristol City are sending some of their staff next Wednesday. I hope they get what they want from it."

The event is open to the public and tickets, priced £10, can be booked by calling 07776217130. Doors open at 6.30pm and Catley will be on stage 30 minutes later.