FROM THE SIDE LINE AUGUST 2018 | Page 9

extensively throughout Europe, Latin America, Asia & the USA identifying elite players and has resulted in me building a substantial network of contacts internationally. I've been fortunate to visit Chelsea FC on numerous occasions and see

first hand how the club operates from academy to first team.

My philosophy is built on being professional, an excellent communicator and always seeking continuous improvement in all facets of my work combined with my strong work ethic. I

have also visited over 50 professional football clubs in over 15 countries to see their academies working.

Ideally in the future I would like to be working at an elite

level within a professional football club as an academy

director or as

a national team coach be it youth or senior level.

What is your coaching philosophy and how did you create it?

My coaching philosophy has varied over the years depending upon the level of players I work but also the environment with which I work in. My core beliefs have stayed the same however and although it’s been molded over the years I have set values

I stick too when I’m implementing my philosophy into the

teams and individuals I work with.

I’m a firm believer that as a starting point you as a coach must create a disciplined environment to work in with accountability from not just the players but also the staff. Routines and habits have to be created, as this will be replicated when you come to implementing your philosophy with the players you work with. believe that having individuals and a team that are competitive and hard working is paramount to the success you will have on the field. System wise for me varies depending upon the players you have to work with. I like 1-3-4-3 or 1-4-3-3 as it’s interchangeable and well balanced in both defence and attack. Teaching the players the core concepts to implement this system takes time for the players to adapt to.

ACCUMULATE AS MANY COACHING HOURS AS POSSIBLE

hard working is paramount to the success you will have on the field. System wise for me varies depending

upon the players you have to work with. I like 1-3-4-3 or 1-4-3-3 as it’s interchangeable and well balanced in both defence and attack. Teaching the players the core concepts to implement this system takes time for the players to adapt to.

What advice would you give to coaches starting on their coaching journey?

The key is to accumulate as many coaching hours and different coaching experiences as possible. I coached in America from 2000 – 2005 and this was one of the most valuable experiences for me. I was just starting out as a coach and it enabled me to gain experience,