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What makes a good man manager?
Around the Academy:

Sir Clive Woodward
Could Sir Clive bring out the best in footballers?
Sport Psychologist Professor Ian Maynard tells the Academy about what you need to become a successful man manager.


Man management is more of an art rather than science.

There is no right or wrong way of managing players, but it comes down to personality. It's all about finding which style works well for you.

There are lots of theories about what makes a good man manager, but it really comes down to three different styles:

  • Autocratic
    Dominating - Sir Alex Ferguson

  • Democratic
    Open to ideas - Sven-Goran Eriksson

  • Laissez Faire
    Let the players do their own thing

    Someone like Sir Alex Ferguson has a classic autocratic style, he motivates his players with his fiery personality and he's been very successful that way.

    Whereas someone like Sven-Goran Eriksson has a democratic, laid-back style. He finds out what his players want and gives them what they ask.

    Sir Clive Woodward would probably be somewhere between the two.

    Sir Clive Woodward hugs Jonny Wilkinson after the Rugby World Cup
    Sir Clive brought the best out of Wilko

    The good manager is the person who can adapt to a situation and change their plans and delivery style accordingly.

    The manager must know what to expect from their players.

    But the players must separate their individual and team goals.

    They all must want the same thing, otherwise there'll be personal conflicts.

    They also have to have a lot of empathy - understanding the situation the players are in.

    But a manager hasn't been through the same situation, then it can become difficult.

    You have to have the right temperament, but again, it's another personality trait which can work in different forms.

    Someone like Roy Keane can be inspired by harsh words from Alex Ferguson.

    But different things make different players tick. It's about finding out what's right for the team.

    It's a combination of personality and situation - it's a real art.

    Ian Maynard is Professor of Sport Psychology at the Centre for Sport and Exercise Science at Sheffield Hallam University


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