Wired868 Wired868 for smart sport news and opinion
“[…] Jason Scotland is a perfect example of a great player who has taken the bull by the horns and gained his B and A licences, and no doubt, in due course, his Pro Licence—in a determined and ambitious manner to establish himself as a top coach.
“His recent appointment as academy coach at Scottish champions, Glasgow Rangers FC, following his youth coaching position at Scotland Premier League team Hamilton Academical FC, is a credit to his determination and focus on progressing up the coaching ladder…”
The following Letter to the Editor on life after retirement for professional footballers was submitted to Wired868 by British football agent Mike Berry:
It is so important for players to plan their futures after the playing career finishes. Most of them do not and languish in an afterlife of frustration and disappointment.
It is imperative that they at least consider gaining coaching qualifications to keep abreast of rapidly changing and improving modern techniques and strategy.
It is therefore pleasing to see ex-clients of mine from Trinidad and Tobago gain UEFA B licences, A Licenses and he holy grail of the UEFA Pro Licence, which will propel them up the coaching ladder in the UK and elsewhere.
These qualifications are expensive and require a great degree of determination, study and hard work to achieve and many fall by the wayside; but in the modern game they are essential.
Jason Scotland is a perfect example of a great player who has taken the bull by the horns and gained his B and A licences, and no doubt, in due course, his Pro Licence—in a determined and ambitious manner to establish himself as a top coach.
His recent appointment as academy coach at Scottish champions, Glasgow Rangers FC, following his youth coaching position at Scotland Premier League team Hamilton Academical FC is a credit to his determination and focus on progressing up the coaching ladder.
I am confident he will develop into a really top coach and do well in the game in the UK and, one day, in his beloved T&T.
Dennis Lawrence is another Trini who dedicated himself to obtaining the highest qualifications during his spells at Wigan and Everton in the England Premier League and holds a validated UEFA Pro Licence, which is the highest coaching qualification. He has been hired by the Welsh FA to mentor and present coaching courses to aspiring coaches from the UK and Europe.
I am confident Dennis will be back in the game soon after his three year stint with T&T as the Men’s National Senior Team head coach, which has added to his wealth of coaching experience and knowledge.
(Copyright Allan V Crane/CA-Images/Wired868)
Clayton Ince is another determined student of the game and it was pleasing to see him considered as the Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Senior Team goalkeeper coach, which is a no-brainer as he is a superb coach and a hardworking, genuine and iconic figure in T&T footballing history.
Carlos Edwards, one of the most exciting T&T players of all time, is studying for his B licence and has all the attributes and experience to become a top coach also and good luck to him.
There is life after football but it has to be planned and anticipated, otherwise the shock of waking up with no future can have a very detrimental effect and lead to frustration, disappointment and oblivion.
The game has changed dramatically from a two word presentation: ‘win games’, to a very complex, detailed and scientific format, which requires a more complete and intricate understanding of the game—including strategy, selection, nutrition, analysis, tactics, motivation, psychology and man-management, at a far higher level than in the old days.
(Copyright Wired868)
My final advice to young players and indeed players at their peak is to be mindful of your life after football, and plan for what you would like to do when the ride finishes; because it will one day, and more abruptly than you might expect.
Former Club Sando head coach and ex-Soca Warriors standout Cornell Glen will lead the St Mary’s College football team for Read more
Former Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Senior Team head coach and 2006 World Cup defender Dennis Lawrence has joined the Read more
“[…] Why do we have to partner with the GC Foster College (of Jamaica) when we have the Sport and Read more
“[…] Many times, I didn’t have money to go to training. I used to sell bottles so I could go. Read more
“[…] Trinidad and Tobago players are limited in their exposure to top level football [and] it makes it difficult for Read more
The Republic Cup National Youth Football League will kick off its 2023 season this weekend, with over 70 clubs involved Read more
Want to share your thoughts with Wired868? Email us at editor@wired868.com.
Please keep your letter between 300 to 600 words and be sure to read it over first for typos and punctuation.
We don’t publish anonymously unless there is a good reason, such as an obvious threat of harassment or job loss.
