Making the leap from player to manager

IT IS a well-documented fact that top players don’t necessarily become top managers. Our very own Brian Clough is an exception to that rule but the annals of footballing history are littered with illustrious names whose managerial ambitions bit the dust. Bobby Charlton, for example – a world class player whose time in the dugout at Preston North End amounted to nothing much. Even the legendary Diego Maradona, one of the finest footballers of all time, failed as a boss. His tenure managing Argentina at the 2010 World Cup featured chaotic tactical structures and ended in a 4-0 quarterfinal defeat to Germany. 

Closer to home, Pools have employed some managers whose playing careers were excellent and even worthy of international recognition. Keith Curle comes to mind – a top-flight player who won three caps for England yet whose tenure at Hartlepool yielded only eight wins from 29 games. Personally, I always liked Keith Curle. He came across as a decent individual who tried his best. Nevertheless, England caps count for little if one’s win rate as a manager is only 24%. Same goes for Paul Hartley, who to his credit, earned no fewer than 25 caps for Scotland yet whose win rate as manager of Pools was a lamentable 9.1%.

It goes to show that playing and managing are very different sciences requiring different skillsets. Being selected for one’s country at international level is a great achievement that deserves to be acknowledged, but the ability to transfer playing skill into tactical nous appears to be something else.

The latest occupant of the Hartlepool United hot-seat, Lee Clark, picked up 11 England caps at under-21 level. That’s to be respected. He too seems to come across as an amiable individual and his widespread contacts in the game could come in handy. Time will tell, of course, but I’m happy to give him the benefit of the doubt as Pools embark upon a new season. He is entitled to a fair crack of the whip as he gets to grips with the job – and Poolies everywhere will be wishing him well.