The Confidence Coach's Sports Psychology Articles
On The Couch With Dr. Martin - 442's Sports Psychology Expert
The Confidence Coach's monthly Sports Psychology Articles in 442 magazine. This article was written soon after Dutchman, Martin Jol, took over as manager of Tottenham Hotspur. It examines the psychology of football clubs.
The Twenty First Century Football Club
The 2004-5 season has been enhanced by a trio of managers plying their trade in the Premiership for the first time. Jose Mourinho leading with inspiration and diligence; Ian Dowie exuding passion and integrity; Martin Jol radiating style and charm. To many observers it is Jol who has taken on the biggest challenge.
Tottenham Hotspur in the early sixties, were blessed by the leadership of the late Bill Nicholson. He sprinkled stardust over White Hart Lane. His glory glory ethos was founded on strong values and principles. It was about the manner and style in which the game was played. It was football as an expression of the deepest human values.
It invoked special feelings that transcended club loyalties.
Since those magical times, Tottenham have felt forever burdened by the weight of this special history. For years, both managers and players have seemed unable to appreciate or be able to carry the burden of being Tottenham The memories of Blanchflower, Greaves and Mackay burn deep.
Spurs continually look in the mirror to see their glorious past, whilst their arch-rivals glimpse the future they are shaping. For Arsenal and now Chelsea, each game creates meaning for players who know they can determine club history.
Martin Jol has intimated that he would like to become the new Bill Nicholson. To engrave his name in Tottenham history. So what does he have to do to recapture the essence of 'Glory Glory Tottenham Hotspur' and create the 21st century Tottenham?
The following are the seven key foundation stones that must be in place if Jol and Frank Arnesen are to succeed.
The Vision
Visionaries shape their chosen field. They lead the way for others to follow. They see a new and better future. They are bold and daring and have no fear of failure. In their presence the future comes alive! A vision provides a clear sense of direction for all concerned. It's a roadmap to tomorrow.To be more than just a participant in 21st century football, a clear vision is essential.
The Cause
If the vision gives direction, the cause provides the power to make it so. A cause gives meaning and importance to people's work. A powerful cause is a revitalising blood transfusion into the football club. A cause gives players reason to believe.The cause must be greater than the ambition of any individual. Thus all become in service to the cause.
The Leaders
Who are the club leaders both on and off the field? The leaders embody the vision and the cause. In their presence others find direction. Leaders stand for what is right. They are the ones who will always go the extra mile in pursuit of the cause. Leaders are prepared to do what others don't, because they know that it is right to do so. They do not wait to be told. They exude confidence and certainty.
The Values
Football clubs must be driven by a deep-rooted set of values. These key values provide the foundation for everything that happens at the club. Values provide clarity, continuity and a sense of right and wrong. Values are the disinfectant against negativity.
All aspects of behaviour and attitudes are measured against these values. They are the building blocks of success. Out of these values grows a clear philosophy that governs both events on and off the field.
The Rules
What are the rules that will facilitate the growth of a success culture? What boundaries need to be in place to create immunity from negativity? What are the behaviours that support the cause?
The Confidence
A positive cycle of confidence is essential for sustained success. Thus the Board's confidence impacts on the Management whose confidence impacts upon the players, whose confidence impacts on the fans, whose confidence impacts on the football club.Confidence begats confidence. Confidence is the oil that turns the wheels of the success machine.
The Culture
Cultivating and spreading an attitude of success may demand revisiting many aspects of the clubs culture and behaviour. Such aspects will have long been taken for granted. Thus are the club's programme, logos, theme tune, PR, sponsorship,community activity aligned with the new values?
How is success celebrated? Does each individual recognise the part they play in every win? How is talent developed.are new ideas encouraged or dismissed?
Jose Mourinho recognises these principles in the manner he has reconstructed Chelsea. All must pledge allegiance to that which they serve the football club.
Martin Perry: Confidence Coaching & Sports Psychology - 0044 (0) 77897 56425