The Sports Psychology Blog
This Sports Psychology blog, comes as Alan Shearer is appointed Newcastle United manager, until the end of the season.
Football: Alan Shearer - The Eight Game Manager
So Alan Shearer has eight games to save his beloved Newcastle United, from relegation. It's a move that has, of course, excited the Geordie faithful. And somehow, despite his lack of managerial experience, you would expect Shearer to have a galvanising effect upon this under-performing team.
Expect him to raise commitment and motivation levels. Give players a reason to play for the fans. Create a strong team bond. Lift spirits. Eight games might not seem a lot. But a manager can be effective in this time, simply by not being the same, as that which has gone before.
The Shearer appointment, is a throw back to the times, when managers like Ron Atkinson, and Dave Bassett could be called upon, to try to save a club from relegation. Short term managers, who could get the desired effect quickly and effectively.
Maybe managers could be used more often on a short-term basis, according to their character and style. You could have Relegation Specialists, called in the last two months, to save a club from the drop. Or Transfer Window Specialists, who were experts in transfer market wheeler-dealing. Perhaps Cup Specialists, who could operate solely for cup matches. Or managers who were experts, in winning play-off semi-finals and finals.
If Alan Shearer saves Newcastle United from relegation, you would expect him to be given the job long-term. But it would be interesting if he turned it down, on the grounds that he only wanted to work for eight games a season. 'Call me next season, if your in trouble again'. Now that would be a sure way to develop a saviourial reputation!
