Title: The 90–Minute Manager: Lessons from the Sharp End of Management Author: David Bolchover and Chris Brady

Being a leader/manager, regardless of profession, is difficult to quantify and replicate. The 90–Minute Manager contends that it has come time for the private sector to use professional soccer (football) as a model for success. In business, stakeholders have only a few opportunities throughout the year to voice their opinions and help guide the direction of the company in which they chose to invest. This is certainly not the case with professional sports. In Europe, as well as in the United States, stakeholders/fans are able to voice their opinions weekly, and in some cases several times a week. Each game the decisions of the manager and their staffs are analyzed and dissected. Did they employ the best formation? Did they get the tactics correct? Did their game time adjustments give the team the best chance for success? These are all questions that at times forty, fifty, and sixty thousands spectators ask themselves and discuss until the next game is played.

The 90–Minute Manager is a book that examines the qualities put into practice by successful managers today such as Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger. In addition to offering the qualities of modern day managers this book also reflects back to the previous generation of successful managers in an attempt to apply

ASET – Association for Soccer Education and Training www.asetsoccer.com

their practices in today’s fast paced and every changing landscape. These managers include Sir Alf Ramsey, Matt Busby, and Brian Clough. As the methods and practices of these soccer managers are reflected upon, The 90- Minute Manager also attempts to make connections to leadership/manager positions in the private sector. As a manager, regardless of profession, one must be able to demonstrate a wide array of qualities. Some of these qualities are difficult to quantify and record; this is what makes leadership more an art than a science. This book has separated the art of leadership into several chapters and examined areas such as the manager’s background, the manager’s personality, the management team – who does what, and how to create the right team.

While this book is not an X’s and O’s book it is an essential read in order to become a more effective man-manager. Coaches may have all the tools in their toolbox in order to make necessary tactical adjustments; however, if they do not have the support of their players and possess the ability to communicate with them all is lost.

The 90–Minute Manager is highly recommended to any coach looking to improve their leadership skills and that of their coaching staff.

ASET – Association for Soccer Education and Training www.asetsoccer.com