sign in sign up
<<
Home , Alex McLeish, Barry Fry, Billy Davies, Brendan Rodgers, Darren Ferguson, Graham Westley

the manager

theThe magazine of the Leaguemanager Managers Association Issue 8: Spring 2011

Walter Smith OBE engage and deliver Is it time to stop Paul Nicholls managing and CBE start leading? Noel Blake end of the peer show

“You can’t be sentimental in this job” sir Gary Smith The dos and don’ts Bob Wilson OBE of managing former colleagues

take it lying down Sleep... why you need it and how to get it

always right The increasing The importance of numbers customer service game 37 years, 46 trophies and more than 2,000 games later, Sir Alex Ferguson tells all Issue 8 : Spring 2011

SPONSORED BY OUR STRENGTHS ARE YOUR ADVANTAGE

• Pioneers in our field • Developed alongside coaches • Interactive product • Validated and objective • Global database • World class service • Unrivalled expertise • Leaders in our industry

Official Technical Partner

PROFESSIONA L FOOTBALL C OACHE S ASSOCIA TIO N

DELIVERING PERFORMANCE INSIGHTS SINCE 1998 WWW.PROZONESPORTS.COM

ProzoneMagazineAd_Artwork.indd 1 16/04/2010 14:56 As we enter the spring and summer months of 2011, we will THE see the Department for Culture, Media and Sport complete its Select Committee on football. By the time it delivers its MANAGERS’ report, the Committee will have heard from stakeholders and interest groups from across the game, including the VOICE LMA. The LMA is keen to ensure that the football family seizes this opportunity to implement a programme of “The highest changes that can lay solid foundations for the game’s continued growth and success. performing The LMA has submitted a range of proposals to the Committee, including the need for independence on the FA organisations are board, a role for players and managers in top-level decision- making, and the implementation of a new club licensing those with programme, focusing on ownership and governance. This Committee presents a chance for the game’s stakeholders to long-term vision work together, to join up their thinking and to embrace the knowledge and expertise that exists across the game, and we that build hope that its findings lead to real progress. With a flurry of managerial dismissals, 2011 has started winning cultures” as 2010 finished. While chairmen and CEOs are free to hire and fire when they choose, statistics show that clubs which sack their manager end up worse off, with fewer points and, usually, significantly out of pocket. Not to mention that constant change of management is hugely destabilising. In any other sector there is recognition that the highest performing organisations are those with long-term vision that build winning cultures. It is also vital to get the recruitment of key personnel right; in a football club, that means the manager. Once a manager has been appointed, he and the club should set clear, mutually agreed objectives, which in turn should be communicated to fans and media as a key part of managing expectations. Against this backdrop the LMA will continue to ensure that young and future managers are as prepared as possible for the demands of the role. This means a concerted push for the highest standards of governance and continuing support for coach and manager education. Finally, we are delighted that work has begun on the construction of the FA’s National Football Centre at St George’s Park – and we are even more delighted that the LMA will be moving there in 2012 when the complex opens, partnering the FA in coach and manager education across all levels of the game. Any sector that wishes to be world- beating has to invest in human capital and St George’s Park is a significant investment that will deliver results.

Richard Bevan LMA CEO

the manager SPRING 2011 In February 2011, Castrol EDGE launched three The Castrol EDGE End Of Season predictor shows that new innovative and insightful predictor tools on Manchester United could clinch the title by one point from Castrolfootball.com, all focused around helping closest rivals Arsenal, who currently sit three points behind fans better analyse matches and players across the the 11 time Champions with a game in hand. Barclays Premier League. Arsenal face the easier run in, but have six away games to contend with, whilst United play only four away from Old The Castrol EDGE Barclays Premier League Predictors Trafford. The deciding game could be on the 30th April when make result and score-line predictions on every Barclays the two teams come face to face at the Emirates. Premier League fixture by evaluating each team’s attack and defence, thus allowing us to predict where each team THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE PREDICTOR will finish. The attack and defence ratings are then converted to an average number of goals scored for Team A vs Team. We then feed the average The Predictor use goals scored and conceded to generate number of goals into a probability distribution model to calculate the the attack and defence ratings for each team. More likelihood of a team scoring a specific number of goals. recent goals are given greater relevance than those scored Through these percentages we can now calculate the probability of longer ago. There is also a home advantage rating, which any score. We can then work out the chance of a home win, draw or allows for the fact that clubs score more goals when away win. From these predictions we can determine where a team is likely to finish in the league. Will your team be pushing for the title and playing at home. Champions League or looking destined for the drop? THE MATCH & SCORE PREDICTORS: THE END OF SEASON PREDICTOR: Select any match and see which team is most likely to win Predicts the table/standings at the end of the season with and then the most likely score for each result. the option to see the % chance each team has of finishing in each position.

Castrol EDGE has used the same expertise it applies to the development of its oils to create the new predictor tools which work alongside the existing Castrol EDGE Rankings system. The Castrol EDGE Rankings measure every tackle and every single move of over 2,000 players from across the Castrol EDGE is an official sponsor of Barclays Premier League, Spain’s , Italy’s Serie A, the UEFA Euro 2012, for more information visit German Bundesliga and France’s Ligue Une, as well as the www.castrolfootball.com UEFA Champions League and Europa League.

CASTROL – OFFICIAL PERFORMANCE PARTNER OF THE LMA

CASTROL CAS_Manager Ad_184x255_03_11.indd 1 LMA – MAnAger Ad: FuLL PAge 10/03/2011 12:02 FINISHED SIzE: W: 184mm H: 255mm Bleed: 3mm Scale: 1:1 Colours: 4 (CMYK) themanager

Published for the LMA Editor’s by Seven. Opinions expressed by contributors are their own. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. letter Publishing enquiries 020 7775 7775 www.seven.co.uk Take me to your leader

Advertising enquiries What makes a leader? I’m not sure I can give a definitive Richard Ibbotson answer to that question, but like most people, I know one 020 7775 5714 [email protected] when I see one... and I think I’ve seen more than my fair Editor: Ciarán Brennan share in the process of putting this magazine together. Art director: Sundeep Bhui Senior sub-editor: Darren Barrett In the pages that follow we speak to three men with Creative director: Michael Booth Head of pictures: Martha Gittens different experiences of leadership: Brigadier Ged Salzano Picture editor: Nicola Duffy Production manager: Mike Lamb (page 12) has led men into battle, Peter Reid (page 26) has Production controller: Chris Gardner led footballers both on and off the pitch, and Steve Radcliffe Account director: Jake Cassels Editorial director: Peter Dean (page 50) teaches and mentors on the subject. All three have Chief executive: Sean King Chairman: Tim Trotter interesting things to say – and they say them here.

Cover portrait: Levon Biss While there is a school of thought that believes leaders are Picture credits: Action Images, Agency Rush/Peter James Field, Alamy, born, not made (something not all our correspondents agree Alexander Caminada, , Crown Copyright, Getty Images, with, by the way), it’s rare that a person begins their working Hamish Campbell, iStockphoto, life in a position of responsibility. Most have to work their Marc Aspland, Mirrorpix, Phil Greig, Richard Lee, Rex Features, way through the ranks, which, inevitably, means they will Vicki Couchman/Camera Press at some point have to manage former colleagues. We offer FOR THE LMA Executive editor: Jim Souter practical advice for those in this position (page 32), as Contributing editor: Sue McKellar well as guidance on other business issues, including brand management (page 36) and customer service (page 38). And just to return to the subject of leadership for one last SPONSORED BY thought... we at The Manager would like to add our voices The League Managers Association, to the many who have heaped plaudits on our cover star The Camkin Suite, 1 Pegasus House, Tachbrook Park, Warwick CV34 6LW since he passed his extraordinary 2,000-game milestone. Tel: 01926 831556 Email: [email protected] Measured simply in terms of longevity, Sir Alex Ferguson’s www.leaguemanagers.com working life would be impressive enough, but add in the number of trophies he’s amassed over the course of that double millennium (we make it 46), then it becomes the sort of career that all others are judged against. Congratulations, Sir Alex... leader among leaders.

The Manager is supported by

Ciarán Brennan

the manager spring 2011

— welcome —

“You can’t be sentimental in this game” Sir Alex Ferguson 16 reveals all

THE BACK OFFICE 42 The Insider Stoke City chairman Peter Coates on the art of stewarding a football club in the 21st century 8 44 The Outsider Five-time champion national hunt trainer Paul Nicholls reveals how he KICKING OFF keeps ahead of the field 8 From the dugout 46 The management divide All the latest news, from both Are football managers different within the LMA and the wider from their business counterparts? world of football 48 Media Matters 12 “Ask the right questions” Alan Whiter from Action Images Brigadier Ged Salzano MBE at on capturing the beautiful game the LMA’s inaugural Leadership 50 Mind Games and Management seminar Stop managing and start leading, 14 Talking point says expert Steve Radcliffe Finance expert David Paton 52 The Technical Area 22 26 examines the likely impact of The LMA chairman, Howard UEFA’s Financial Fair Play Rules Wilkinson, on how great managers From shop floor create permanent change to top floor LEADERS 54 The Coach’s View The challenges of 16 Sir Alex Ferguson England U19s coach Noel Blake being promoted The Manchester United boss offers argues for a change in attitude his thoughts on management and to youth development reflects on his career to date 56 Health and Wellbeing 32 29 22 Wakey, wakey! The role of sleep The Rangers boss explains how he and the modern manager achieved success with the Ibrox 58 Castrol Analysis club the second time round How stats can help predict match 26 Peter Reid results and even league tables As he faces his toughest test as a manager, the Plymouth Argyle LMA PEOPLE manager discusses leadership 60 Hall of Fame Dinner 29 Gary Smith/Steve Guppy Leading managers past and 42 The Manager meets the former present share FA Cup memories Wycombe colleagues who have 62 Hall of Fame taken the top prize, Stateside 54 Ron Greenwood CBE, a man who left his mark on club and country THE BUSINESS 65 Course of treatments 32 The up escalator Why there’s more to St Andrews Some proven strategies for dealing than just golf with the challenge of managing 67 Nike Football Academy former colleagues A new home for the pro-level 36 Comment training programme Brand communications specialist 69 Bob Wilson Nick Smith on the importance of The former Arsenal goalkeeper is brand stewardship getting on his bike for charity 38 Customer service 70 Stoppage time In today’s post-recession world, A Scottish manager called Alex why the customer – and the level winning a trophy at Wembley? of service they receive – is key Step forward Mr McLeish... 62

the manager SPRING 2011 ON D URS Under Armour significant “It is a very P elsh rugby union team. union team. elsh rugby S ARMOUR leading US The manufacturer sportswear Under Armour has into move made its first Premier the Barclays with the League, that announcement be Tottenham it is to Hotspur’s ‘technical partner’ the 2012/13 from season onwards. gained has already in Europe a foothold similar through with agreements 96 and the Hannover W partnership and exciting Under Armour,” for Plank, said Kevin of CEO and founder “The Under Armour. are we that fact with an connecting Tottenham club like elite Hotspur reflects to our commitment and build our strengthen in the UK. It will brand our clothing also show in the and footwear important most world’s prestigious and most sporting venues.”

sponsored by CIS by sponsored Cup, the last to be to the last Cup, Rangers’ victory in the the in victory Rangers’ 2010/11 Scottish League League Scottish 2010/11 Walter Smith (right) with with (right) Smith Walter Nikica Jelavic celebrating celebrating Jelavic Nikica s —

w — Ne off Kicking SPRING 2011 the manager ES The SFL’s chief executive, David chief executive, David The SFL’s As a further element of this K at the recent football summit to support the expansion of existing community and social partnerships, and back clubs, authorities and police in tackling alcohol misuse, sectarianism, domestic racism, said the Scottish abuse and violence,” Alex Salmond. first minister, added: “This new Longmuir, partnership will build on the tremendous community has been achieved with our legacy that previous CIS, sponsor, and takes the new Scottish Communities League Cup forward phase.” into an exciting sponsorship agreement, clubs participating inScottish next season’s Communities League Cup will be links to build and increase encouraged with community organisations and to market tickets for the competition to children and families. A T orld Cup, as he is to head up the supervisory IN W T ORLD CUP CHAIR

ct U P W The Russian prime Vladimir minister, Putin, is to take a hands-on role in the organisation of the 2018 FIFA board that will govern the management of the event. Putin will be joined on this committee by three other politicians: first deputy prime minister Igor Shuvalov, Petersburg and St Sobyanin Sergei mayor Moscow Matvienko. Valentina governor news and views from the dugout the from and views news League Cup to be sponsored overnment, using funds raised G “The Scottish Communities League The cup, which will be known as the

cottish

Cup strengthens the commitment made Scottish Communities League Cup for next season, will be supported by £1m of funding generated by the Proceeds of Crime Act as part and delivered of the Scottish Government’s programme of in football. investment SCOTTISH FOOTBALL nextFrom season, Scotland’s League Cup will be financed by money seized from criminals and criminal activities, thanks agreement sponsorship to an innovative between the Government.and the Scottish S by IME TO PAY FOR CRIME TO PAY of Crime A the Proceeds from ng off ing off Kick 9

8 — News — €4bn The combined revenues of the world’s top 20 football clubs, as disclosed in this year’s Deloitte Football Money League. Real Madrid topped the table for the sixth-year running. Barcelona and Manchester United held on to second and third spots respectively.

UEFA SHOWS INTEGRITY BURTON BEGINS Europe’s governing body steps up Nine Work officially starts on the FA’s its campaign against corruption The number of National Football Centre at Barclays Premier St George’s Park in Staffordshire UEFA has underlined its commitment League players to fighting corruption within football, (per 100,000 of marked a with the announcement of its intention population) produced significant milestone on March 11th to create a network of integrity officers by County Durham, when construction work officially across its 53 national associations. the most productive began on the National Football Speaking after an executive committee of English counties in Centre near Burton in Staffordshire. meeting in March, UEFA’s general this field, according The £100m development at secretary, Gianni Infantino, said: “There to a survey of the St George’s Park, which is due to open is zero tolerance – if someone wants to birthplaces of the for business in the summer of 2012, cheat in football, there is no place [for 1,323 English-born will be home to all 22 of England’s them]. If you don’t eradicate the cancer players who have representative sides and will be used before it starts to develop, then it can graced the division for all the FA’s coaching activities. become a danger, and we will not allow since its inception. In addition, the new complex it to become a danger.” North Yorkshire came will be home to the LMA and will In addition to creating the new in as runners-up, with accommodate a centre for sports network of integrity officers, UEFA has Merseyside placed medicine and performance analysis. also pledged to forge stronger links with third and Berkshire “Today is a momentous day for police forces throughout its region. finishing fourth. everyone in England who has football in their heart,” said FA board member, David Sheepshanks. MANAGER OF THE MONTH “St George’s Park will be the home A run-down of the managers whose results and performances have of FA Learning – in short it will be most impressed the judging panels in recent months a multi-sporting destination of choice for all.” February 2011 AWARDS CLUB DETAILS Manager of the Month W D L Arsenal Arsène Wenger OBE 3 1 0 Manager of the Month Swansea W D L City 5 0 1 Manager of the Month W D L United 4 2 1 Manager of the Month W D L Shrewsbury Town 4 1 0

January 2011 AWARDS CLUB DETAILS Manager of the Month Manchester W D L Sir Alex Ferguson CBE United 4 1 0 Manager of the Month Nottingham W D L Forest 4 1 0 Manager of the Month W D L Rochdale Keith Hill 4 2 0 Manager of the Month W D L Crewe Alexandra MBE 5 0 2

the manager SPRING 2011 ichard Thelwell. “However, R The study, by the University of of by the University The study, “Coaches wearing suits were perceived “It was hard work, but it was such a was hard work, but it was such a “It Carter added: CfH director Jane of the charity CfH, an initiative cademic research suggests DRESS TO IMPRESS A that managers who wear suits on results get better matchdays Research published in the International suggests Sport Psychology of Journal that managers and coaches who wear on and tracksuits suits on matchdays results. get better days training Portsmouth, looked at how a manager or coach’s appearance affected his or her perceptions of their competence. players’ as being more strategically competent sportingthan those wearing attire,” said Dr when wearing sporting attire, they were perceived to be more technically competent than those in a suit.” number of CfH’s partner organisations and took charge of a two-day coaching on the benefitsession where he passed of his experience local coaches and a to 25 in their charge. number of the children fantastic experience of a new culture in they where all love such a poor country, said Allen. football,” playing “During his time in Burkina Faso, Martin had the opportunity to meet with our local partner organisations and saw some of the amazing and doing, really life-changing work they’re particularly working with disabled and female footballers.” players is a sport for Skillshare International, development programme that uses of football to communicate the power social messages to young people in disadvantaged communities, building the capacity of local coaches and youth through coach education. workers s — uropean aso working E F w — Ne SPRING 2011 the manager

The average number of players in a club’s squad (of these, these, squad (of club’s expatriates 8.2 are and, are remarkably, 1.1 Brazil). originally from 24.5 The LMA’s senior commercial partner, partner, senior commercial LMA’s The Anglian Home Improvements, United’s Manchester a trip to enjoying of another example ground; training unique unrivalled the LMA delivering partners. its commercial to access As part of the LMA’s continuing continuing As part LMA’s of the commitment to the Coaching for Hope (CfH) programme, recently a in Ouagadougou, days spent five deprived area of Burkina Faso. Over the course of his visit, Allen visited a ALLEN BRINGS HOPE Recently appointed Barnet manager spends time in Burkina and children with local coaches

R STAFF: R STAFF: U O S PARBOIL S PARBOIL Y Y

ST DESK, Y DESK, U

: In my Y MIND: In my STOMERS: OUR CUSTOMERS:

www.sigames.com Five things I’ve learned ROAST POTATOES: POTATOES: ROAST Before finishing them oven. very hot off in a TID experience, a cleaner environment working almost always work. better produces 5. ALWA Know when they can do something better than you – and be big enough to let them with straight be Always them, but remember that you can’t please all of them all the time. 3. MORE HASTE MEANS LESS SPEED: And besides, the reasons that you rush things rarely seem so important when with the viewed benefit of hindsight. 4. TID 1. TR get on with it. 2. ENGAGE WITH Y Paul Collyer Paul Director of football, Sports Interactive

3,290 the by number of miles travelled The of in support fan Brom West average of a season. the course over their team 11

10 — News — £15,000 The cost of the world’s most expensive season ticket... not, as you might think, for one of the Champions League high flyers, but for a seat in the director’s box at League One Peterborough United.

ATLANTIC CROSSING for LMA partners

Two of the LMA’s partners, Green Star Media and Sports Path, flew the flag for the UK at January’s National Soccer The36 world record Coaches Association of America for red cards in a (NSCAA) convention in Baltimore. single game, set The two organisations attended the event – the world’s largest gathering in an Argentinian of soccer coaches – to promote their league encounter BRIGHTON CHOOSE LMA-endorsed coaching development between Claypole FIBRELASTIC for amex products: Elite Soccer magazine and Victoriano and the online management course, Arenas in February. New 22,500-capacity stadium for Developing a Culture of Excellence. Referee Damien The convention was attended by Seagulls to boast state of the art Rubino sent off all 22 9,000 active coaches over three days ‘player-friendly’ pitch players, substitutes and was an opportunity for Green Star Media and Sports Path to provide and some technical Even if Brighton & Hove Albion their products with further exposure staff following a falter in their bid to reach the npower in the US, where soccer is the highest mass brawl. Claypole Championship (which, at the time of participation sport among children and boss Sergio Micieli writing, seems highly unlikely), their is a rapidly growing market. accused Rubino of players will still be moving up a level “US coaches truly appreciate the over-reacting. The next season, as the club’s new home will quality and value of being able to previous record was access expertise from the English sport a state of the art Fibrelastic pitch. 20 sendings off (set professional leagues,” said Kevin Steve Winterburn, the club’s head Barrow, Elite Soccer’s publisher. in Paraguay in 1993). groundsman, chose the Fibrelastic ‘rootzone’ system after visiting a number of the other stadiums that use the Performance of the Week technology, including Ibrox and St From basement battles to title deciders, FA Cup heroics to James’ Park. Fibrelastic rootzone uses a European exploits – any team’s efforts could earn them the mix of silica sand, organic matter, rigid LMA’s Performance of the Week award. Recent winners are... polypropylene fibres and flexible elastane Week fibres to deliver a more ‘elastic’ surface. Ending Manager Performance The result is a more ‘player-friendly’ 17/03 Darren Ferguson Peterborough United 6 Carlisle United 0 pitch that gives better grip, is less tiring 10/03 Brian McDermott Ipswich Town 1 Reading 3 to play on and reduces injuries. 03/03 Alex McLeish Birmingham City 2 Arsenal 1 (Carling Cup final) Brighton’s 22,500-capacity American 24/02 Paul Tisdale Charlton Athletic 1 Exeter City 3 Express Community Stadium is due to be completed in May. 17/02 Doncaster Rovers 0 Ipswich Town 6 10/02 Mick McCarthy Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 Manchester Utd 1

03/02 Swansea City 1 Leyton Orient 2 (FA Cup)

27/0 1 Alex McLeish Birmingham City 3 West Ham Utd 1 (Carling Cup)

20/01 Bristol City 0 Middlesbrough 4

13/01 Stevenage Borough 3 Newcastle United 1

The F&C Performance of the Week is decided by a five-man panel consisting of Sir Alex Ferguson, Howard Wilkinson, , and . The winner receives an engraved crystal vase, in a presentation screened on ’ Soccer Saturday programme.

the manager SPRING 2011 TO CONTINUE READING THE MANAGER MAGAZINE DOWNLOAD THE APP NOW

SUBSCRIPTION OFFER!

12 MONTHS FOR JUST

£12.99£11.99