Fair and Approachable - Managing the Right Way

Having served under experienced names such as Sven-Göran Eriksson, Nigel Pearson and Paulo Sousa, former LMA Chairman Chris Powell is now well into his stride as a Football League manager. Indeed, the 42-year-old has guided Charlton Athletic to the top of npower League One in his first full season in charge at Valley Parade.

When did you first start having thoughts about going into management?

“I was always thinking about what would I do beyond playing and the idea of going into coaching and management really came to the forefront when I signed for Nigel Pearson at Leicester City. I joined the club as an older and experienced left-back and I think both Nigel and I knew that while I wouldn’t play all of the time, I could take the full-backs under my wing and lend my experience to the squad. It evolved from there. Nigel gave me a chance to break into coaching when he asked me to stay on as development coach. I had a fantastic year learning how to prepare and organise a team under Nigel, Craig Shakespeare and Steve Walsh. That education was invaluable for me.”

What did you learn from a manager like Sven?

“I remember him preparing us really well on the training field whilst being very calm in the dressing room. I think that all of the teams he manages are always calm, and they reflect his personality. Ahead of England matches he just wanted you as a player to be in your own zone and to prepare in your own way. You always felt there was clarity, and that his players knew what was expected of them. I know as a young manager that I am not always going to get it right but if I have that clarity with my team I believe I will get the response I need.

“I will always be fair and I will always be approachable. After all, I can’t do my job without those players. I want them to feel comfortable with the ball, to attack with pace and to feel happy that when they’re out there they know exactly what is asked of them.”

You had three successful spells as a player for Charlton during an eight-year period; it must have been beneficial for you to start at a club whose culture and expectations you understood well?

“People questioned if it was wise for me to go back to a club that I spent so much time at as a player. But the fact is I know a lot of people who still work here from my playing days, even though it has been a tough period for everyone in between with the club dropping into League One. The fact is, to get back to the good times we have to remember them, as they are a great spur for the fans and everyone else. For us to get back to those heady days we are going to need players and supporters to be one. It may be a while yet but we will endeavour to get there.”

How important is it for you too to be a positive role model for other black managers and coaches?

“I think now it’s a question of visibility because there have been a lot of black players who might have gone into coaching and managing, but who, for whatever reason, haven’t. Being a positive role model is something that Chris Hughton, myself and others will have to undertake now in the same way that Keith Alexander did in the past. It’s a similar situation to when young black kids saw Cyrille Regis and Luther Blissett make a career as players. If we can just inspire one or two others that there is a possibility of coaching and managing in the league, I really feel we can make an impression.”

Source: LMA newsletter