The pursuit of wisdom in any walk of life quickly reveals that what you think you know is not nearly enough to get you to where you want to go. As I'm starting out in my football scouting journey I challenged myself to reach out to those already working in various roles in football to answer a short list of questions. My goal wasn't to get answers but relevant perspectives on the game within the game.
Here is Matt Dye, Head of Academy Coaching at Peterborough United.
How did your first opportunity in football come about?
Whilst beginning university, following a spell leading an U16 local team where I volunteered for a full season - where me and the other coach did everything from putting the goal nets up, finding a kit sponsor and ensuring everything for the weekend fixture was organised. I then became Player-Manager of the University team whilst also being given a role at Boston United COE two evenings a week. The variety in these three roles really allowed me to learn and experiment. These opportunities came about through putting myself out there. I’m a big believer that opportunities can come your way if you pursue something enough and are willing to work hard.
What attracted you to coaching?
I’ve always been in love with football. So when I came to the realisation of not being able to play for a living, I looked at what next... coaching was the next obvious pathway to work in football and I pursued it from that moment.
Who is the first coach/teacher that impressed you ? What caught your eye?
Probably when I was playing I had a coach called Steve Lilley who now works for the FA. He had a relationship with me where I really didn’t want to let him down, and where I really valued his feedback because of that initial relationship. Even when it was constructive criticism, I really valued it because I sensed his feedback was always sincere and honest. That had an effect on me when I began to think about coaching.
Who is the player you "missed" on? What did you learn from it?
I cannot remember one clear instance really. There was one player when I was quite new to a role and we played against this particular player. He caught my eye but I didn’t trust my own gut at the moment in time. It wasn’t until the second time we played against him was he then recommended and brought in (and subsequently signed). So I guess the lesson I learnt is to have confidence in my own opinion on a player.
If you could start over what skill would you build on first?
In relation to coaching, I would start with skills to develop relationships with players firstly.
In relation to player development, developing a technical toolbox in a player, developing the ‘brilliant basics’; ball manipulation, receiving skills, ability to retain the ball under pressure, ability to dominate 1v1, ball striking skills.
Do you see player development as more of an art or a science?
Complicated one as we are dealing with humans therefore development is non-linear. I think there are scientific / methodological principles that can underpin the development process but I think the application of WHAT, WHEN, WHO etc is an art in many ways.
What is your favorite sports moment? Why?
Being a childhood Liverpool fan, the 2005 Champions League final vs AC Milan stands out. The game was seemingly over at 3-0. The way Liverpool turned the game around as underdogs to win summed up the beauty of sport for me.
What coach/player/team inspires you? Why?
The Barcelona team under Pep was frighteningly good and I loved watching both the individual qualities of the players in that team as well as the team structure in place. Right now Klopp’s Liverpool team is brilliant. Klopp is a great leader and he has developed an identity which players and fans have all completely bought into. Both Klopp and Guardiola have teams that are great at controlling the game in the opposition’s half.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into coaching?
Be open-minded, ask questions, get your hours in with different age groups and in different contexts, seek people with more knowledge than you.
What is your favorite app/tool to use (for work or fun)?
Not very exciting but I tend to store all my ideas, reflections and best pieces of work on my MacBook/ IPhone. Either using notes or through documents I have created then saved. Wunderlist is a really useful to-do list app also.
What other sport/hobby/discipline do you feel improves your work as a coach? Why?
I read quite a lot. Whether it’s books about leadership, pedagogy, talent development, scientific literature or tactical articles, I do spend a lot of time reading and taking bits which I find useful.
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