28th January, 2013
Q – What was the reason for your recent visit to Chonburi?
A - I work as a Coaching Consultant in Asia for Everton FC and recently spent almost a year in China with them. We were in Thailand as part of the Chang-Everton C Licence course. Basically, coaching coaches.
Q – Who organised the course?
A - The Course was organised by the AFC. Chang and Chonburi FA hosted and delivered it.
Q – What aspects of coaching did the course cover?
A - It was a pretty intensive course of 86 hours and covered all aspects of football, but the core was about organising and teaching techniques of the game to young players.
Q – Who were the main facilitators on the course?
A - Chonburi FA, via Coach Dang.
Q – Where did the course take place?
A - At a few venues in Chonburi, all of which were excellent, particularly the new Stadium. If you have good facilities, you will have good players.
Q – What was your schedule like?
A - We started at 8:00am and got back to the hotel at 8:00pm every day. Long hot days but very enjoyable.
Q – Did you think this schedule was beneficial to learning?
A - It was hard work, but welcome to coaching. That’s what the reality of coaching is like. The visible times such as training and match days are only the tip of the coaching iceberg. It’s a bit like teaching, in that respect.
Q – Which aspects of the course did you feel worked well?
A - I thought the organisation was superb and the enthusiasm of the young coaches was excellent. They were never late and they worked very hard. There was a thirst for knowledge. The EFC Coach Robbie Anderson showed practices for very young players, which is a very difficult areas and Ray Hall moved on to elite youth players (such as Rooney and Rodwell who he discovered and coached) and I took practices we used with the Thai national team.
Q – How important are courses like these for coaches, local FAs and local football as a whole?
A - Essential. If you reject coach educationit’s like rejecting education itself. We all never stop learning and the game is a dynamic process, changing and evolving through the years. The principles of the courses such as organisation are essential to impart technical knowledge. The C Licence emphasizes technique which if you don’t have, you will never play for Thailand. (Though you may get a game for Oldham!) It’s like saying you will never enjoy Shakespeare unless you can read. The work of the beginner coach is essential and under valued.
Q – What was your involvement with local children?
A - We worked with an Academy group of 20, 14 year olds, who again were well organised, punctual and enthusiastic. Thus once again disproving some of the myths about Thai Footballers.There were some very talented young players there.
Q – Did any of the local youngsters impress you?
A - In any group there will be a wide disparity of talent but 3 players stood out for me. Nat,a creative midfield player with great vision.I did a practice that I used with the national team and he adapted very well to it, compared to the others. There was also a strong two footed centre back and a goalkeeper with excellent technique, and a good size. Maybe the next Sinthaweechai!
Q – Did you have any involvement with the Chonburi FC squad?
A - No, they were in pre season and some on national team duty. But Coach Wittaya came along to visit the course. He is an excellent coach and had just returned from a UEFA course. The club is in good hands with him.
Q – Which members of the current Chonburi squad do you think could have a career in coaching?
A - Obviously the older ones who have matured will be the most likely candidates. Sinthaweechai is a great role model and could do this. I think Pipob and Chonlatit would have the capacity to lead and coach and although still young I was always impressed with Suttinun’s maturity and ability to understand the game. Another great role model as well. Coaching doesn’t suit every player and for those that it does, some would suit kids and some the senior path. And Therdsak of course, but he’s got another 10 years playing to go!
Q – What were your overall impressions of the Chonburi FA?
A - Top class. It’s a well run football machine. Mainly by having a number of full time people who understand the game. From the president at the top, who greeted us, right down to the youngest coaches, you can see they love what they are doing
Q – How were you treated by the Chonburi FA?
A - Superbly. We were treated very well in all areas off and on the pitch
Q – Would you like to come back to work with the Chonburi FA on similar courses?
A - I would be happy to work in any part of Thailand on such courses. Ray Hall who is the Everton boss in this area is hoping Chang and Everton develop this concept all over Thailand.
Q – What are your plans for the future?
A - I was about to sign for a V league team but the president was put in jail and the club folded! So football is never a simple pathway. I’ve been doing TV and writing a great deal, but basically waiting till the right coaching offer comes along. I am lucky I don’t have to coach and can choose to an extent from any offers. I've just opened the hotel www.hmongsapahotel.com so maybe a future as Vietnam’s answer to Basil Fawltyawaits, till the next job comes along.
Q - Thanks, Steve.
A - You're welcome. As always.
No comments:
Post a Comment