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Ryan Giggs: Quick Transitions
Ryan Giggs: Quick Transitions
OCTOBER 2020
WIN BETTER
WALES
RYAN
GIGGS
QUICK
TRANSITIONS
+
WALTER SMITH
STRIKER MOVEMENT
FROM A CROSS +
DARREN KELLY
MICHAEL FLYNN USE OF SPACE AND
BREAKING OUT SWITCHING PLAY
FROM DEFENSIVE
STABILITY
PAUL BUCKLE
THINK FORWARD
AND PLAY
FORWARD
2
CONTENTS
4 WALES
RYAN
GIGGS
Quick
transitions
8 LMA AMBASSADOR 12
WALTER
SMITH
Striker movement NEWPORT COUNTY
from a cross
MICHAEL
FLYNN
Breaking out from
defensive stability
19 SCARBOROUGH
ATHLETIC
24
DARREN
KELLY LMA AMBASSADOR
Use of space and
switching play PAUL
BUCKLE
Think forward
and play forward
27 SPORT PSYCHOLOGY
Using the language of high performance 29 FEATURE
Top coaches talk about tough times
SESSION
MANAGER PROFILE
QUICK TRANSITIONS
RYAN GIGGS For the team in possession, this session
is all about keeping the ball by making
QUICK
Area: Session time:
Up to 45x15yards Passing practice:
TRANSITIONS
Equipment: 15mins
Balls, bibs, cones, 2 goals Transition game:
Number of Players: 20mins
Up to 11 players
+ 2 goalkeepers
PASSING PRACTICE
We set up in an area of 25x25 yards. We’re using hold of possession with the help of the two yellow
10 outfield players split into two teams of four floaters, as shown [1].
and two neutral floaters. The other team should press to win the ball when
The coach starts the practice by playing a ball out of possession. They become the new passing
into one of the teams and they must pass to keep team when there is a turnover of possession.
KEY
Ball movement
25
2
The possession
team pass to
keep the ball 3
with the help of
the two yellow The pressing
neutral floaters team must try
to win the ball.
If they succeed,
they become
the new
passing team
25
“When passing the ball, players should be aware of
the tactics needed to keep possession”
5
RYAN GIGGS
QUICK TRANSITIONS
1 TRANSITION GAME 25
1
We set up in an area of approximately 45x15 yards (or in the half where they won the ball, as shown [2a]. If
from the 18-yard line to the halfway line of the pitch they score a goal it is worth one point but we want to
with a width of 15 yards). We position a goal and a
goalkeeper at each end. We’re using 11 outfield players
25
see the team that lost the ball transition quickly to
defence and stop the shot if they can.
split into two teams of five and one neutral floater. There is a lot of turnover ball to start with but then
Play starts with a pass into one of the teams from the coaches intervene. After the initial block of free
the coach. The team in possession has to keep the play, we then set up play so the possession team
ball with the help of the yellow floater and the two makes the pitch big. We do this by getting the players
goalkeepers, giving the team an overload of 8v5. They to arrange themselves with the floater and one player
must keep hold of the ball for 90 seconds to score a in the centre of the playing area and the other four
point. The defending team must try to win possession 25 players out wide, with one on each side of each half,
and if they succeed they should try to score a goal as shown [2b]. This makes it harder for the defending
[2a] 25
1
2
Play starts with
2
The red team in a pass into one
possession has of the teams
to keep the ball from the coach
with the help
of the yellow
floater and the
2
two goalkeepers,
giving the team an
overload of 8v5
3 [2b] 3
The possession
team scores
3
a point if they
4 keep the ball
for 90 seconds
The blue defending
team presses but
will now find it
harder to win the
ball because the
passing team are
more spread out
2
The possession
team uses the
goalkeepers, the
yellow floater and
their one remaining
team mate in the
centre to help them
keep the ball and
1 After an initial block of free play, set switch the play
up so the possession team makes
the pitch big by arranging themselves
with four players out wide
6
RYAN GIGGS
QUICK TRANSITIONS
team to press and win the ball because they are more should look to keep possession of the ball instead.
spread out. While the team on the ball is keeping possession,
If the ball goes out of play, the coach plays a new the ball can be played directly from keeper to keeper
ball to the defending team in the half that it goes only once in each block of 90 seconds, as shown [2d].
out and they must try to score a goal quickly if they We play this game for 20 minutes, in intense blocks
can, as shown [2c]. However, if a shot is not on, they of 90 seconds with 45 seconds rest.
1 2
4 1
Play restarts 1 2
4
with the coach
passing to the
red possession
team
1
After a goal, play
always restarts 2
from the coach. While trying to
Rotate teams so keep the ball, the
all players get possession team
experience of can pass directly
5
both roles from goalkeeper
to goalkeeper only
once in each block
of 90 seconds
5
COACHING POINTS
team. However, if the possession player is free
and not under pressure we don’t want to see him
passing to a team mate who is being marked. The
What are the key things to look for? possession player should wait to be closed down
When passing the ball, players should be aware of the and then pass. We also like to see that players can
tactics needed to keep possession, so we show them dribble out of trouble if the pass is not on.
how to make the space bigger. After the initial free When out of possession, the defending team should
play period, by splitting the players so there are two work as a unit rather than pressing in ones and twos,
wide players and the keeper in each half, they can especially when the ball is played to the keeper. If the
learn the importance of switching play through the defenders press as a unit and win the ball, they have
floater and the remaining player in the centre. a much better chance of scoring. On transition, we
We want to see lots of one-twos from the passing need to see players reacting quickly to get a shot off.
7
SESSION
STRIKER MOVEMENT
FROM A CROSS
MANAGER PROFILE This session is all about the movement
STRIKER MOVEMENT
Area: Session time:
70 yards x full pitch width Crossing and finishing:
FROM A CROSS
Equipment: 25mins
Balls, bibs, cones, Zonal game:
2 full size goals 25mins
Number of Players:
Up to 20 players
+ 2 goalkeepers
KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
[1a] Dribble
Optional movement
1
A midfield player
at each end
takes a turn to
pass out wide
to the crosser
before making a
forward run
44
3
Play goes on
at both ends
2 25 20 25 simultaneously
The crosser
plays the
ball into the
goalmouth
35 35
area where two
strikers and the
midfielder try to
meet the ball
70
9
WALTER SMITH
STRIKER MOVEMENT FROM A CROSS 44
25 20 25
[1b]
35 35
4 As an alternative, the red striker has made a
near post run but then drops deep as if to pull a
defender out of position and the second striker
70 3 The attacking
midfielder heads
towards the
runs into the space created at the near post back post
2 The second
striker should go
into the middle of
the penalty area,
slightly deeper
than the first
striker
44
1
Just the
movement of
the attackers
25 20 25
is shown here.
The nearest
striker to the
cross should
go to the near
post
35 35
70
10
WALTER SMITH
STRIKER MOVEMENT FROM A CROSS
ZONAL GAME apart from the wide player on the opposite side of the
pitch to the crosser and he can join the strikers in the
penalty area to make it a 3v2 attack, as shown [2a].
For this zonal game we use the same basic set-up as
before but now we’re using 16 outfield players split How do I progress the activity?
into two teams of eight, plus one goalkeeper for We use the same basic set-up but now we introduce
each team. Each of the three central zones contains an extra defender to each team. In this progression,
two players from each team. Both teams also have one of the three defenders can now go and challenge
one crosser in each wide channel at the end they the crosser in the wide zone and try to win the ball or
are attacking. block the cross, as shown [2b].
Play starts from the goalkeeper and as in the After a few weeks we’d take away the cones and
previous crossing and finishing drill, the midfielder markers and play this as a game, albeit keeping the
must pass to the wide player who crosses the ball same area size and with players in the same positions
into the strikers. All players are locked in their zones and still with the emphasis on striker movement.
[2a] 3
The wide player
crosses the ball into
the goalmouth area
2
The midfielder
plays the ball to
the wide player
33 44
44
4
All players are locked
1
25 20 25 in their zones apart
25 20 25
Play starts from from the wide player
the goalkeeper who is not crossing
and builds up and he can join the
from the back two strikers in the
penalty area to make
35 35 it a 3v2 attack
35 35
70
70 KEY Click to show
[2b]
1
In this progression,
we introduce an
extra defender to “After a few
weeks of
each team, so there
44
are three
44
2
44 practice we
Now one of the
defenders is free to
would take
enter the wide zone
and challenge the
25 20 25 away the
cones and
crosser. He should
try to win the ball
or block the cross
25 20 25
markers
but here the winger
beats him
35 35
35 35 and play as
70
70
a game”
11
SESSION
BREAKING OUT
FROM DEFENSIVE
STABILITY
This session is about defensive stability
when playing in a 4-2-3-1 formation
against possession-based teams, with
a focus on breaking out quickly from a
turnover of possession. It also looks at
dealing with pressure, particularly when
playing away from home.
The ability to counter-attack with
pace and quality comes with good
defensive stability and shouldn’t be
something that compromises team
shape, especially with a twin defensive
screen. Players get their buy in with
delay tactics and risk-over-reward
MANAGER PROFILE methods that are always a huge part
MICHAEL FLYNN
of our training programme. We have
won many games with less possession
and generated far greater chances for
NEWPORT COUNTY than chances against. Crucially, after
running this session the players have
the confidence to demonstrate a ‘tough
to beat’ intelligence that has been key
Manager of League Two side Newport County, to our performances at Newport for
Michael Flynn enjoyed four separate spells several years.
at the club as a player. Starting his coaching Our ‘break out’ strategy has evolved
career while still playing for the club, he served over time (something that managers
as academy director before taking on his first don’t always seem to get), but its key
management role as player-manager of Undy component is all about quickly getting
Athletic in the Welsh league in 2015. the ball to our ball carriers. These
He returned to Newport County as first-team are defined as players able to cope in
coach just months later and in March 2017 he tight situations and they frequently
was appointed caretaker manager, with Newport demonstrate the ability to succeed in
11 points adrift at the bottom of League Two. 1v1 situations.
Flynn led the team to Football League survival, When breaking out of our defensive
avoiding relegation with a win in the final match stability, pace and precision are the
of the campaign. main weapons. We need to ensure the
He was appointed Newport manager on a break out is direct and towards goal so
permanent basis in May 2017 and led the club on that we don’t lose momentum.
an FA Cup run that saw the team defeat Leeds
United and take Spurs to a replay at Wembley.
The following season, Flynn led Newport on “When breaking out of our
another impressive FA Cup run, beating Premier
League Leicester City and Championship side defensive stability, pace and
Middlesbrough before losing to Manchester City.
He also led Newport to the 2019 EFL League
precision are the weapons”
Two play-off final.
12
MICHAEL FLYNN Set-up
BREAKING OUT
Area: Number of Players:
Up to three-quarters of a Up to 19 outfield players
FROM DEFENSIVE
pitch + 2 goalkeepers
Equipment: Session time:
Balls, bibs, cones, From the front: 20mins
STABILITY
mannequins, 2 small goals, Stop the switch of play: 20mins
2 full size goals 11v11 game: 20mins
Breaking out: 20mins
[1] KEY
Ball movement
Player movement
Dribble
Optional movement
13
MICHAEL FLYNN
BREAKING OUT FROM DEFENSIVE STABILITY
[2a]
4
The reds should defend
narrow and stop the
switch of play. Here they 3
intercept the ball when
22
it’s switched and launch The blue team’s
a counter-attack keeper has to
defend both
small goals
1
The reds have 9
outfield players. They
2 attack the two small
goals and are set up
The blues have 10 in a 4-2-3-1 but minus
outfield players. They the striker
are set up in a 4-3-3
and attack the main
goal with an overload
[2b] FB
5
W The red left winger
DENY THE FB W FB tucks in to press the
W
SWITCH FB W
attacking blue CM and
cover the blue right FB
CDM
6 CDM 1
3
The red left FB The reds use good
tucks in to cover movement to deny the
any switch of play switch. Here the blue
CDM drops to receive
from the FB but the
red 10 presses, forcing
CM the ball back to where
4
CM CDM it came from
CDM
The red CM comes
across to block the
passing channel 10
10
W
3 W 2
The red right FB is FB W The red right
ready to press the blue FB W FB
FB winger presses
left winger should a
the blue left FB
pass be made
14
MICHAEL FLYNN
BREAKING OUT FROM DEFENSIVE STABILITY
FB
W
3
CM 2
The red CDMs block
4
the passing channels The red 10 presses
to the blue striker CDM near to the blue CM
when he receives,
forcing him to pass
10 backwards and
FB preventing a switch
or forward play
FB CDM
W
CM
W
1
FB
The reds use good CM
4
movement off the FB
ball to force the play CDM
backwards. The red
right FB presses the
blue left winger as
soon as he receives 10
CDM
11v11 GAME
5
Using the same set up as shown in the previous in a 4-2-3-1 formation and play an 11v11 game, putting
activity, we add the striker back into the team set up all the coaching points into action, as shown [3].
[3]
5
up in a 4-3-3 and
Play an 11v11 game attack the main
and put all the goal
coaching points into
action. The reds
attack the two small
goals and are set up
in a 4-2-3-1.
3 The reds use
good off the ball
movement to press
the blues and
force them to play
backwards so they
can intercept
15
MICHAEL FLYNN
BREAKING OUT FROM DEFENSIVE STABILITY
4
After making
3 seven passes the
possession team
The possession
can play a through
team must make
ball into the
seven passes in
opposition penalty
the central box
area for a team
with the help of
mate to run onto
the yellow floater
in the middle and
any of the white
outside players
18
10 20 10
16
MICHAEL FLYNN
BREAKING OUT FROM DEFENSIVE STABILITY
[4b] 10 20 10
2
The reds can play
a through ball
straight away
and have a go
at finishing too,
so there is the
potential for a
goal at each end
18
10 20 10
“We want to see players defending played the through ball, the
reds receive another ball from
At the same moment the through ball is played, the When in possession we want to see teams playing
out of possession team receives another ball from through, around or over. When out of possession we
the coach in the central area at the other end so they want to see them defending narrow and recognising
can play a through ball straight away and have a go at they should stop split passes, forcing the play wide
finishing as well, as shown [4b]. and protecting the space behind.
During the possession phase in the central box, if When attacking we want to see that teams
the ball is passed to one of the wide players outside, understand how and when to combine in order to
they can combine with any player before they put a create scoring chances. When in possession in the
cross in for a runner to shoot from, as shown [4c]. final third they should attack with width and depth
In this instance, the player is not restricted by the and when out of possession they should protect the
seven-pass trigger, just by the combination rule. middle, force play wide and prevent crosses.
17
18
MICHAEL FLYNN
18
BREAKING OUT FROM DEFENSIVE STABILITY
10 20 10
[4c]
2
A runner can
break out of the
central box to
meet the cross
and shoot
18
10 20 10
COACHING POINTS
breaking out and quick counter-attacking on the
turnover of possession.
For our striker, it’s a case of dealing with the deep
What are the key things to look for? central midfielder, with a condition to stop switches
In our initial defensive stability phase, we are of play in order to help team mates adjust in behind
constantly looking for defenders to work hard: and gain healthy starting positions quickly. We also
defending successfully in 1v1s, showing opponents want to see availability on regaining possession, as
away from goal, blocking shots, and playing forward the first pass is crucial to retaining the play and it is
with weight. We also want to see a good use of the important that the next movement should be forward.
body, the back four defending as a unit, smart cover Players capable of taking opponents on are pivotal
positioning, good communication and an eye on who to the break out succeeding and the knock on
can deal with the greatest danger. effect will be to reorganise as a team defensively
For midfielders, we want to see a blocking whilst in break out mode.
screen, with players pivoting across when needed, These sessions are designed to extend and over-
pressing, covering and stopping any split passes exaggerate aspects of team defending. Therefore, it
that may break our back four and midfield units is important to finish with a game situation to test
apart. There must be front-foot interceptions when the team’s understanding.
18
SESSION
USE OF SPACE AND
MANAGER PROFILE
SWITCHING PLAY
DARREN KELLY Every session that I do I try to make
SWITCHING PLAY
Equipment: 20mins
Balls, bibs, cones, Possession practice:
2 full size goals 25mins
Number of Players: Small-sided game:
Up to 20 players 25mins
+ 2 goalkeepers
3
The four possession
players must complete
five passes under
pressure from the
defender before they
can transfer the ball
15
into a different box
15
4
Play continues
with the new
possession team
passing in the
new box and one
defender being
sent in to try to
win the ball
15 10 15
2 One defender enters the active corner
box from the central box and tries to
win the ball and clear it out of play
20
DARREN KELLY
USE OF SPACE AND SWITCHING PLAY 15
We play for 20 minutes, rotating teams every two defenders to enter the active possession box to win
or three minutes. To add a competitive element to the ball, as shown [1b].
the activity, we count the number of transfers made To progress the session further, we can vary the
before an interception occurs, therefore identifying conditions between one-touch and two-touch to
the two defending teams with the most transfers alter the level of difficulty and to increase the quality
conceded as the losing teams. required from the switches of play. We could also
We progress the session by increasing the level offer extra rewards if successfully transferring the
of difficulty for the passing team by allowing two ball to the square diagonally opposite.
15
[1b] KEY Click to show
15 10 15
box to win the ball
15
15
15 10 15
POSSESSION PRACTICE
We set up a playing area of 30x30 yards divided opportunity to switch the ball from box to box, as
into four 15x15-yard boxes. We’re using 18 outfield shown [2].
players split into two teams of eight players plus two
floaters, who play for the team in possession.
This is a multi-directional possession practice.
Teams can score an extra point for completing four
passes in the same box before switching the play.
There is no restriction on player movement although
15
The team in possession must use the space wisely we would limit the number of players in each square
to keep possession, with the idea of creating an if the possession team was struggling.
15 3
10
The blues press to
win the ball and if they
succeed they become
15
the new passing team
15
1 The red
possession team
must use the
space wisely to
keep the ball and
2 create chances
to switch play
The two yellow from box to
floaters play for the box. There is no
team in possession restriction on
movement
15
15 15
4 Teams can score a point for completing
four passes in the same box before
switching the play
“Players must communicate with one another and organise well, so they
are aware of the positions of their team mates and opponents”
22
DARREN KELLY
USE OF SPACE AND SWITCHING PLAY
SMALL-SIDED GAME
We set up a playing area of 60x40 yards divided into team in possession must switch the play from one
two halves with a pair of back-to-back goals in the half to the other at least once.
centre on the halfway line, as shown [3]. Each of the To manufacture certain situations, a restriction on
goals has a goalkeeper in a box that the other players the number of touches can be enforced. For instance,
must not enter. We’re using 18 outfield players split by going all in we would be trying to manufacture 1v1s
into three teams of six. inside the area; if we limited players to two touches,
Two of the teams compete for possession inside the we would be looking for switches of play coming from
area, with a third team used as floaters and spaced wide; and if restricting players to one-touch, we would
out around the outside of the area. The floaters play be encouraging players to support on the inside.
for the team in possession. The players of both teams We want to see players adopting a good team shape
inside the area are free to move wherever they like, and an organised balance in order to use the available
but to be able to score or attack one of the goals, the space cleverly.
3 To score or attack
the goals, the team
in possession must
switch the play
from one half to
4
the other at least
once in the build up
40
2
The yellow floaters
around the outside
play for the team in
possession
30 30
COACHING POINTS
The players must also be alert to turnovers of
possession, reacting quickly whether they are near
to the ball or in a different area.
What are the key things to look for?
In the first two activities we are looking for players What are the typical mistakes players might
to use a quality pass, good movement, and create make and how do I avoid them?
good angles of support so that players can transfer Typical mistakes include poor passing, both in
the ball from box to box. terms of short and long passing. Mistakes also
Players must communicate with one another and include poor angles of support, and poor awareness
organise well, so they are aware of the positions of and positioning. Players can also be caught flat-
their team mates and opponents. footed and not reactive to the play around them.
23
SESSION
THINK FORWARD
AND PLAY FORWARD
In possession, a team is at its most
dangerous when a player can make a
forward pass to a team mate running in
a forward direction. This session creates
many of these types of situations.
Players are challenged to think quickly
right from the goalkeeper, launching
counter-attacks by getting the ball up
to the strikers as soon as possible by
building play. To do this, we restrict the
possession players to making forward
passes only. This promotes good positive
MANAGER PROFILE positional sense and gets the players
24
PAUL BUCKLE Set-up
THINK FORWARD
Area: Session time:
Up to full size pitch Small-sided game:
SMALL-SIDED GAME
We set up an area of 70x50 yards including an 18-yard pass in a forward direction until they reach the free
free play zone at each end. We also position a goal play zone at the opposite end, where they can then
and a goalkeeper at each end. We’re using 20 outfield pass sideways or backwards and make cutbacks, as
players split into two teams of 11 including keepers. shown [1].
Both teams are set up in a 4-3-3 formation. Throw-ins can go backwards or forwards but there
Play starts and restarts with a pass out from the are no corners in this game. Instead, the ball should
goalkeeper. The team in possession must play every be returned to goalkeeper to restart play.
KEY
[1] 2 While the ball progresses up
the pitch on the right, 3 and 11 Ball movement
advance up the pitch on the left Player movement
Dribble
Optional movement
1
70
Here the keeper
3
starts play by
passing wide to 4 11
5, who passes
out to 2. Until
they reach the
opposite end
zone every pass 8
must be played
forwards
6 9
50
4
5
When the
FREE FREE
striker 9
2 advances
into the free
10
PLAY PLAY
7 play zone
he can play
backwards or
sideways. Here
18 3
34 18
In the midfield 8 and 7 move forward into
attacking positions and the ball is played
into the run of 7, who passes to striker 9
3
25
4 11
6 9
PAUL BUCKLE 50
THINK FORWARD AND PLAY FORWARD
5
4 11
8
6 7
FREE
5
10 FREE
PLAY PLAY
2
ZONE ZONE
30 2 30
Play must go forwards until
in the free play zones at each
end, where players can pass
backwards or sideways
COACHING POINTS
If trapped with the ball when facing their own goal
and they can’t turn, I want to see players use a trick
or skill to beat their opponent and continue to move
What are the key things to look for? in a forward direction.
One of the key things to look for in this session The team without the ball should press high or
is an awareness of space, with players making defend in a low block, as this keeps it realistic and
the pitch as big as possible with good off the ball presents different scenarios for the attacking team.
supporting movement. You really do get to see the intelligence of the
I want to see players getting on the blind side of player develop in this session plus it also helps
their marker, trying to arrive in front of the marker underline the importance of positional play. The
but facing forwards. Players should also break lines speed of thought used in this session is fantastic
with fast forward runs. and the players really enjoy the challenge.
26
SPORT PSYCHOLOGY
THE LANGUAGE OF
HIGH PERFORMANCE
SPORT PSYCHOLOGIST DAN ABRAHAMS DISCUSSES THE IMPORTANCE OF
LISTENING TO WHAT PLAYERS ARE SAYING AND THE WAY THEY SAY IT
I’ve always really admired the ability of coaches to Anxious players tend to talk about, and emphasise,
observe the minutiae of the game – to see the tiny the things they can’t control, such as how good the
performance details that matter. A slight shift of opposition is, who’s going to be refereeing, or how
positioning here, a small covering of space there. important the game is. In contrast, confident players
The fine margins between success and failure can tend to be more considerate of the things they can
indeed be miniscule. control – primarily themselves, their strengths, their
As a sport psychologist my observational skills mentality and the responsibilities within their role.
aren’t redundant, but they probably come second Anxious players tend to focus on what they don’t
to another vital sensory ability: the capacity to want, whereas confident players will always talk
listen. Words and their meaning, sentences and their about what they do want:
interpretation are my primary stock-in-trade. • “I don’t want to concede” vs “I’m going to keep a
Having spent the last decade and a half working clean sheet on Saturday”.
with professional football clubs, I’ve come to learn • “I can’t afford to have a bad game this week” vs
some of the language patterns that footballers “What does an awesome performance look like?”.
tend to exhibit in the lead up to a match. Their • “ This winger is so quick, just don’t give away too
conversations matter and what they say counts. It’s many free-kicks” vs “This winger is quick. Okay,
worth listening to them as they can indicate feelings let’s just focus on being aggressive and confident
of anxiety or feelings of confidence. in my 1v1s”.
27
SPORT PSYCHOLOGY
28
MANAGEMENT MATTERS
DEALING WITH
THE TOUGH TIMES
IN AN EXTRACT FROM THE LMA MENTAL HEALTH AND RESILIENCE GUIDE,
FOUR LEADING COACHES DISCUSS HOW THEY HAVE MANAGED TO COPE
WITH THE TOUGH TIMES OF TOP LEVEL FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT
CHRIS HUGHTON
“I had over 16 years’ experience as an assistant and
first-team coach before I got my first management
job, so I was probably better prepared than many
managers. However, it’s still so different when you
become the manager and you have to make decisions
you didn’t have to make before.
I was lucky early on because we were winning
games, but there were also very difficult periods.
During those times, it becomes so much harder to
cope; you have to work so much harder at dealing
with the pressure.
Even though you may wake up on Monday morning
TANYA OXTOBY
“Management can be a very lonely place. Everyone
still feeling down about the weekend’s result, you is on your side when you’re winning, but when things
know you can’t let those around you see it. You mask aren’t going your way you learn quite quickly who
it to give the impression that you’ve got it out of your your friends really are and who has your back.
system and are looking ahead to the next challenge, Over the past year, however, I’ve learned that
to training and planning for the next game. you’re only as isolated as you allow yourself to be.
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MANAGEMENT MATTERS
DEALING WITH THE TOUGH TIMES
You have to let people in as much as you can. Don’t It’s good to have a hobby away from the sport. When
shut down; use the people you trust, the ones you you’re working, everyone wants to speak to you and
know are there for you during bad times as well as you need to engage with everyone, but sometimes
good and, in particular, other managers in the game. you need a little private time to think clearly.
It has been overwhelming to me how many people You have to work pretty hard if you want to be
in and around the women’s game have reached out to successful and be passionate about what you do, but
me with support over the past year. I’ve learned that it’s also really important to be aware of how much is
if you’re willing to open yourself up and let people in too much.”
there are many people out there willing to help, many Nigel Adkins has managed numerous clubs including
of whom will have been through something similar in Southampton and Sheffield United. He was most
their careers.” recently manager of Hull City.
Tanya Oxtoby has managed Nottingham Forest and is
currently the manager of Bristol City in the WSL.
NIGEL ADKINS
“It’s really important to make the best use of any
time out of work that you have, doing the things you
might not have so much time for when you’re working
and to refresh yourself ready to go again. There are
so many things you can do to ensure that when you
do go back to work you’re even better equipped to
survive and succeed.
I try to stay abreast of the latest trends, watch
loads of football, I’m an ambassador for the Football
Foundation and a few charities, and I support
other coaches and attend as many masterclasses,
workshops and learning opportunities as I can. It all
keeps me stimulated and learning and improving.
What’s more, by creating more balance in your life
you can help to safeguard your mental wellbeing, so
GARETH AINSWORTH
“You can’t put a price on things like family and
you’re more mentally prepared when you return to health. It’s really important to remember that and to
work. I love to spend time outside, play golf and go recognise what you have away from the profession. It
for long walks; it keeps the mind and body active. takes the pressure off when you have stability in your
life that isn’t affected by football.
While I love football management and want to
be successful at it, I need a break sometimes. It’s
good to have other interests. I love music and being
with the band takes me away from
thinking about work, as does being
with people who are neither involved
with football nor are in the public eye.
Singing with the band is the biggest
release, because the only thing on my mind
is getting the lyrics or the tune right. Football is
a bubble, and while it’s a great bubble to be in and
one you have to embrace, you can’t let it take over.
People compare themselves to others and worry.
“It’s really important to You have to look at yourself sometimes and say,
I’ve done pretty well to be where I am, because this
make the best use of world isn’t easy.
any time out of work If you can look in the mirror at the end of the
day and know that you did your best and treated
that you have” everyone well, what more can you do?”
Gareth Ainsworth enjoyed two spells as caretaker
manager of QPR and has managed Wycombe
Wanderers since 2012.
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