Q: CAN YOU PLEASE GIVE US A BRIEF INTRO ABOUT YOURSELF - PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE?
A: My past has seen me have the fortune of experiencing community development, women & girls, and elite men's and boys' environments over the past 17 years at Chelsea, Glasgow Rangers, and WBA. In the most recent time, my role as a coach developer for the FA, working within the professional game, has allowed me to support and work with some exceptional people within some fantastic clubs, both in-site club support as well as delivering on the UEFA A & Advanced Youth Awards. Working within the National Association has also given me the privilege of experiencing and observing international youth football. The FA role has opened the door back into club football as Head of Coaching at West Bromwich Albion Academy, which sees me combining my experiences as a coach and coach developer in this role.

 

I’m excited about the challenges it poses and the journey ahead in ultimately supporting and developing better coaches and players for the club. As for the future, I am against predicting what it may hold. In the past, the worst question I have asked people is "Where do you want to be?" I would never have predicted when I started the journey I’ve been on and what experiences I’ve amassed, and continue to search for. Therefore, I’d never restrict my vision or opportunities by narrowing my focus down to specific roles. All I know is I want to advance my knowledge so that I can continue to have a career within our great game in whatever capacity that motivates and stretches me.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR COACHING PHILOSOPHY AND HOW DID YOU CREATE YOUR PHILOSOPHY?
A: Philosophy for me often gets misconstrued with game style/systems of play, etc. My philosophy is simple: create an environment that inspires and challenges people to fulfill their potential. This is a complex mix of variables and means adaptability and patience are key fundamental skills. As for my game style, I’m not a staunch football snob. I enjoy the beauty in all aspects of the game—from what Barcelona brings with their possession-based approach, to the past Italian greats who built defense and counter-attacked. I also hugely enjoy what lower level and non-league can bring. What I think it boils down to is competition and tactical adaptation. It links to my personality and desire to always learn from what the past has taught us to understand the present and better equip ourselves to predict future trends, gaining a competitive edge.

Q: IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT IS THE MOST FUNDAMENTAL SKILL FOR A PLAYER/COACH TO MASTER?
A: Growth mindset, humility, and a hunger and thirst to learn—but I’m not sure you can ever master it!

Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE NEW COACHES STARTING THEIR COACHING JOURNEY?

A: Value experiences, don’t chase qualifications. These should form part of your journey and not be in a hurry to complete. When you're ready, they will come. Always stretch yourself and take yourself outside your comfort zone, putting players and their needs at the center of everything you do.

Q: HOW DO YOU MANAGE THE DIFFERENT ABILITIES OF PLAYERS WITHIN YOUR SQUADS?

A: Effective planning and reflection! Getting to know the person above the player and delivering sessions that meet their needs first. Think of them in three sections: those that struggle—how can I support them?; those that cope—does my practice design reflect their needs?; and finally, those that excel—how can I stretch and advance them?

Q: HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH SETBACKS (POOR PERFORMANCES, INJURIES, LOSING, ETC)?
A: Setbacks are a mindset. I don’t perceive them as failure—they’re just attempts at learning that didn’t work yet! Injuries are part of sport (I’ve had too many operations!), but with the right support, they make you a stronger and more resilient person.

Q: WHAT IS THE BEST LIFE LESSON YOU HAVE LEARNED FROM FOOTBALL?
A: That I don’t know everything and never will! As a younger coach, I wanted the session to go well to show people I was a good coach. There’s nothing wrong with this, as it’s part of evolution, but experience has given me the hindsight to shift my attention to what’s important: the players.

Q: WHICH COACH/MANAGER INSPIRES YOU?
A:I loved Bobby Robson, Sir Alex, and Arrigo Sacchi, as they influenced me during my formative years. But in my roles, I’ve been inspired and learned from Level 1 coaches as much as from experienced ones. I admire many current managers for their approach to the game and achieving that competitive edge. My aim now is to try and be someone who may inspire others!