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 Wayne Harrison, Founder of Soccer Awareness:
Here is Wayne Harrison, Founder of Soccer Awareness:
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How did your first opportunity in football come about?
My grandfather played for Arsenal in the 1920s so as soon as I
could walk I was kicking a ball. It Just progressed in school from there and
organized games.
What attracted you to coaching? What’s more intriguing now
winning or developing players?
I wanted to teach players what I felt as an ex professional
player I could have been better at largely revolved around the thinking
processes of players and decision making. I call it a one touch mentality and
it’s what I teach.
Who is the first coach/teacher that resonated with you? What
stood out?
U15 school rugby team our teacher / coach Howard Jeffrey said
before a very big game that the opponents were very worried about me making
my moves on the blind side. I never forgot that. We won and I scored most of
the points with a try and kicked The goals. He made me feel 10 feet tall I
apply the same principles to my players when appropriate to make them feel
special though use it sparingly of course.
What is the biggest misconception in football? Why?
That you can’t manufacture a player. If they have the
intrinsic desire to achieve they can do it.
If you could start over what skill would you build on first?
The thinking processes and decision making earlier, but after
establishing individual skill development as you can’t teach the thinking
processes if they can’t control the ball.
Do you see player development as more of an art or a science?
Both. But more an art. Attacking is an art perhaps defending
is more a science as it’s set situations one terms of how you defend as an
individual.
Which would you start with?
Attacking and art.
What is your favorite sports moment? Why?
England winning the World Cup in 1966 it inspired me to be a
professional later.
What coach/player/team inspires you? Why?
Alan Ball World Cup winning Player, the same final. I later
played alongside him at Blackpool the ultimate privilege for me.
What is your favorite app/tool to use (fun only!!)?
Nothing really I’m old school.
What other sport/hobby/discipline do you feel improves your
work as an analyst/scout? Why?
I’m not an analyst or a scout.
Here’s some info on my work
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