“A manager’s honesty is critical”
Chris believes that leadership is about far more than just tactical knowledge, and that key traits of a good manager include humility, hard work, and being a good listener. For Chris, this is central to being an effective leader.
“Being a manager isn’t about being above the team. Players need to see someone they can relate to, someone who doesn’t place themselves on a pedestal.
“You need to be someone players can trust, even when what they hear may not be what they want to hear. A manager’s honesty is critical, especially when difficult conversations are necessary.”
“It’s about handling the emotional highs and lows”
Balancing the needs of players, owners, and fans while ensuring success on the pitch is no easy feat. In recent years, Chris believes the role of the manager has also become more challenging due to the constant changes in the sport and the growing influence of digital and social media. This brings increasing complexities to the role, creating a constant narrative around team performance. In the past, managers would mainly communicate with club owners or chairmen. Today, they navigate multiple layers of management and public scrutiny through the media.
“You have to have broad shoulders,” Chris remarks. “It’s about more than just dealing with wins and losses. It’s about handling the emotional highs and lows and finding the strength to move on after every setback, from a heavy defeat to a difficult media cycle.”
