The Sports Psychology Blog
This Sports Psychology blog comes as Swansea City offer Brendan Rodgers their vacant managerial position.
Sports Psychology (Football) - Brendan Rodgers
So Swansea City have offered the managers job to Brendan Rodgers. He's been out of work since Reading sacked him half-way through last season. Before that he walked out on Watford.
It's not an appointment that resonates. Brian McDermott showed the true potential of the Reading squad, by almost taking them to the play-offs last season. This after Rodgers couldnt buy a win for months.
So what has induced Swansea to offer him their vacant post? It can only be his 'reputation'. Rodgers of course, managed Chelsea Reserves and was recommended to Watford by Jose Mourinho.
A 'reputation' can sustain you as a manager for years in football. Look at Paul Simpson. Sacked by Shrewsbury Town for a season of under-achievement, he is offered the vacant job at Stockport County. Yet before Shrewsbury, Simpson was sacked at Preston North End.
Simpson did do a good job at Carlisle United previosuly, taking them on a double promotion run. This, and a good playing career, has established his 'reputation'.
But a 'reputation' is not the same as reality. It is a perception gathered, that creates an opinion about an individuals ability. But it may mask the truth.
Swansea City have offered their managers post to a failed Championship manager. It is a massive gamble based on what Rodgers 'might do', not what he has or hasn't done.
If it pays off, Rodgers 'reputation' will strengthen, and he will remain in the football management merry-go-round for years to come.
Should he fail, then it will take the most uncritical of chairman to employ him. For eventually, even the best of 'reputations' must come face to face with Dr Reality!
