football management

From Derby to Stoke: My Bold Move and the Real Reasons Behind It

01/11/2024 Raymond 0

Having managed both Stoke City and Derby County, I’m no stranger to either club. I’ve discussed my move from Derby’s Pride Park to Stoke’s Bet365 Stadium before, but sometimes you need to reevaluate where you stand professionally and make the best decision for your career. At Derby, we narrowly missed out on the playoffs, and I was incredibly eager to build on that success. I understood the need to reduce the squad’s age, improve athleticism, and probably lower the budget. I was ready to take on these challenges, but in some key discussions, it felt like we weren’t fully aligned on a forward-thinking plan.

Ultimately, it was a tough call, and I often discuss it with Derby fans, who I still encounter regularly. Most understand; they know what it’s like to face career decisions in their own lives. If Derby had been committed to a concrete plan to reach the top six again, I’d have stayed. I came to Derby to pursue promotion, and in my first full season, we reached the playoffs but fell short in the semifinals.

Reflecting on my time at Stoke, I remember reaching a point where we were just three points shy of the top six. It was frustrating to work so hard and face so many challenges. In hindsight, I let my frustration show, especially in post-game comments. If I had paused to consider what the club and fans had endured since relegation from the Premier League, I might have fostered more unity and adjusted my approach.

Super Eagles Squad Unveiled at the Eleventh Hour: Is Late Announcement the New Norm?

07/10/2024 Raymond 0

The recent trend of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) media unit announcing squad selections only two days before the opening of camp is becoming increasingly familiar. What was once considered an irregularity is now being viewed as the new norm in Nigerian football, prompting concerns about its long-term implications for the management of the sport and its overall performance. Interestingly, local media reports indicate that the players selected for the upcoming matches have already received itineraries for their arrival at the camp. This information has not reached the broader Nigerian football community, where there is a prevailing belief that the NFF should adopt practices similar to other teams globally, who released their squad lists last week and provided opportunities for press conferences to discuss player selections and omissions.

For players, the ramifications of delayed squad announcements extend beyond mere inconvenience. Many Super Eagles stars compete in Europe, where they follow rigorous training regimens. Early notification of their inclusion in the national team enables them to prepare both mentally and physically for the shift from club responsibilities to international duties. When announcements come at the last minute, players are left racing against time to arrange travel and adjust to new expectations under a different manager or tactical approach. Moreover, these last-minute announcements can strain relationships between players and their clubs, as many European teams are already reluctant to release players for international duty, especially given the long-distance travel involved.

Steve Cooper Faces Crisis After Leicester City Clash, Struggles with New Problem Unseen at Nottingham Forest

25/09/2024 Raymond 0

Former Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper is determined to win over Leicester City fans after facing criticism during a tense Carabao Cup tie. Despite advancing to the fourth round after a goalless draw against Walsall and a penalty shoot-out victory, over 2,000 traveling supporters voiced their frustration, chanting “Cooper, sort it out!” and even calling the performance “embarrassing.” Acknowledging the criticism, Cooper stressed his commitment to earning the fans’ trust, saying, “I need to build some credit with the supporters and earn the right to do the job… It’s experiences like these that make me even more committed.”

Ex-Chelsea and Everton man addresses job speculation after Sunderland, Burnley and Rangers links

09/06/2024 Raymond 0

Frank Lampard, the former England, Derby County, Chelsea, and Everton player, has been linked with numerous managerial roles. Recently, he revealed that he has turned down several job offers, although he is keen to return to full-time management. Lampard, who managed Chelsea and Everton, was rumored to be a contender for the Sunderland head coach position following Tony Mowbray’s dismissal last season. While bookmakers frequently list him as a potential candidate for Sunderland’s next head coach, Lampard has chosen to wait for the right opportunity. Reflecting on this, he mentioned that although some opportunities did not feel right, he now feels ready to resume his career. “I’m certainly ready to work. I love doing what I do, so we will see,” he said.

The 45-year-old, who also managed Derby County, has enjoyed his break from football, noting that the intense nature of management often overshadows personal life. During his hiatus, he valued the time spent with his young family. Since his stint as Chelsea’s caretaker manager in 2023, Lampard has been linked to various roles, including positions at Canada, Rangers, Burnley, and Birmingham City. On air, he shared that while he appreciates the importance of working, the year off allowed him to focus on his family life, which includes his four children, two of whom are very young. He mentioned that this time away has also provided him the opportunity to reflect, watch games, and continue his professional development.

Ex-Rangers boss explains Sunderland role ahead of new head coach appointment

03/06/2024 Raymond 0

Graeme Murty, Sunderland’s coach, confirmed he would continue his role with the under-21s team next season after guiding them to the Premier League 2 final. Despite assisting the senior squad during the 2023/24 season, Murty remains committed to his under-21 players, expressing his dedication to their development and the positive relationship he has built with them. He emphasized the team’s talent, hard work, and accountability, stating, “I’m going to be doing my job, so until I’m told otherwise I’m looking after these guys.”

Reflecting on his past role as Rangers’ caretaker manager, Murty noted he is not currently focused on returning to first-team management. Instead, he enjoys the developmental challenges with the under-21s, aiming to improve their program and provide valuable experiences for the players’ growth. For Murty, ensuring the continuous progression of his squad is his primary goal, as he looks forward to another successful season.