Q - What did you know about Thai football and the TPL before you came here?
A - Very little when the opportunity was first presented to me, is the honest answer. I did some research and spoke with a couple of people who had some experience and knowledge of the game out here, including Matt Elliott who had just left Army United FC. The little I did know, was gained by following the fortunes, mainly on the Internet, of former England team mates of mine including Bryan Robson, Peter Reid and Peter Withe along. I also checked things out when the likes of Robbie Fowler came to Thailand.
Q - What are the major differences between coaching at an English club and a Thai club?
A - The biggest difference is the approach towards training. In Thailand there seems to be a belief that the longer you train the better you get, regardless of the tempo or quality of the training. That is so incorrect, I can tell you. In England it is about quality and working as close to match tempo as possible at the appropriate times. If you train at a slow pace, you play at a slow pace. If you train poorly, you play poorly.
The biggest problem to overcome is the language barrier in order to communicate. If you can't make yourself understood, it becomes impossible, so a good translator is needed. You hook onto the Thai players who have got the best command of English and players from elsewhere who speak a good level of English and Thai.
I also wish club owners and decision makers would show patience towards good coaches.
Q - The vast majority of Thai coaches seem a long way behind in terms of employing modern coaching methods, why do you think this is?
A - It's the responsibility of the football authorities to educate coaches and the lead needs to come from the top. Coaches also have the option to reach out and further educate themselves.
Q - Do you think we'll see more foreign coaches coming to work in Thailand?
A - I'm sure there are lots of foreign coaches who would love to work in Thailand. However, it's important that Thai coaches have a pathway to the TPL clubs so too many foreign coaches would not be good.
Q - What are your general impressions of the TPL?
A - I've enjoyed the time I've spent working in and watching the TPL. I believe there is great potential for the quality of players and the standard of play to increase but it is currently a long way behind the Premier Leagues in the major footballing countries in Europe. I would like to be part of the process of improving and uplifting standards and play across the whole country. I have been particularly impressed by Buriram Utd because of the outstanding stadium and facilities they have developed. And, I think they will win the TPL.
Q - What will you do next?
A - I hope to secure the Head Coach role at a club in Thailand where the club’s priority is to develop the players they have, a style of play that is successful and a youth structure to feed the first team.
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